jstefan posted on January 08, 2010 07:18
We’ve heard it before, “no pain no gain.” They say that you should not use clichés in writing, but it is true: no pain no gain. Over Christmas, we waited in bated-breath anticipation for the arrival of our son, Jacob, his wife Tina and our granddaughter Ryleigh from Pasco, WA. Just one week before they were to travel, Jacob, Tina and finally Ryleigh got sick. Ryleigh ended up with bacterial pneumonia! We began to feel the pangs of disappointment for the fateful call that they would have to cancel the trip. Just days before their departure, the doctor prescribed antibiotics and gave them the clearance for travel. They made it here and all of us, both immediate and extended family had an unforgettable time together! In fact, most of us had “Ryleigh withdrawals” once life got back to normal. Even Ryleigh, once home, seemed to be in a withdrawal mood, she just kind of stared around.
I cannot think of anything in this life that comes at a bargain without some pain and inconvenience. For those that stay the course and are persistent, the prize can be won.
In 2010, I suspect that hard times are ahead, harder than anything we have ever experienced. We will have to be ready at a moment’s notice, as Jasper Schuringa the man from Amsterdam that foiled the almost-downing of the Delta flight last week by the “underpants bomber.” Jasper stepped out of his comfort zone, and though burning his hands, acted fearlessly, heroically, and instantly saving almost 300 people and a $127 Million airplane. His momentary pain meant gain for 300 grateful people including the bomber, on Christmas day, 2009!
Matthew 24:20 “Pray that your flight not be in the winter or on the Sabbath day! For there will be a great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”