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by Phil CallawayIt’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. Time waits for no man, and very few women, my father used to say. Like the New Year, the wise men came after Christmas. They’re not really part of the nativity set.
Scholars believe the magi were Gentiles who had come from the east and that it’s possible perhaps that at least one of them was a Canadian and probably a Mennonite. You see, the others brought gold & frankincense, but the Mennonite brought myrrh, which if you know your Greek, is a hot dish—a casserole. Since the wise men offered their gifts a little late, I will too. So I’d like to offer you three simple gifts today.
The first is a watch. A watch reminds us of how quickly time passes. When I turned 35 my son told me I was half dead. So let a watch remind us of how short our lives are. Let it remind us that we can’t turn the clock back. Last year is a memory. All the regrets in the world won’t bring it back. But we can wind the watch up and set it right.
Each of us will have the same amount of time this year, if God allows. A watch can remind us that time ticks slowly, so go one step at a time. Relax a little. Remember that even ants have time to attend picnics. This year let’s follow the example of Jesus who changed the course of history and still had time to hold a little child on his knee.
The second gift is a box of chocolates. Chocolate is a reminder that some things are too good not to share. For me this means sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It isn’t always easy. I once told a man where he would spend eternity and he told me where to go. So I’ve learned to simply be a witness to what God has done, not out of obligation but out of love. To tell people my story and use a little humor. I sat on a plane with a psychologist who diagnosed me as a Christian in no time. He said, “I’ve had bad experiences with Christians.” I said, “Really? Me too.” That simple comment led to a 4-hour discussion of my faith. Let’s tell others about our Savior this year.
My final gift to you is a Bible. In a mall the other day I saw a fortuneteller. People were lined up to learn about their future from a lady who looked more dazed and confused than any of them. The Bible is jam-packed with promises, guidance, and all the direction you will need for this new year. It will only take seven or eight minutes to read it through in 2006. So I’m going to get started.
Last January I had no idea that both my father and my brother-in-law would spend their first Christmas in heaven. What a comfort God’s Word has been. One of the nicest letters I’ve ever received came from a lady who was visiting her 85-yr-old mother in the hospital. Coming down the hallway she heard her mother laughing. Surrounded by plastic tubing, heart monitors and a bed pan, this dear old saint was reading one of my books and laughing herself silly. I’m sure she was worried about tomorrow and her health and the grandkids. But still she was able to laugh. Why? A well-worn Bible had told her of a better place. She knew that one day soon she’d be Home, where her tears would be wiped dry and her questions straightened into exclamation points. That day came three days later. Her daughter told me, “My last memory of my mother is of her laughing.” What a way to go.
Over the past year I’ve learned the lessons of these three gifts. I’ve learned to hang out with those who are gonna cry at my funeral. That God’s grace is too amazing to keep to ourselves. And that if we laugh lots, when we grow old all our wrinkles will be in the right places.
Phil Callaway’s new book is called It’s Always Darkest Before The Fridge Door Opens. Visit him online at www.philcallaway.com
Read Phil's latest book Golfing with the Master
~ Phil Callaway is an award-winning author and speaker, known worldwide for his humorous yet perceptive look at life. He is the best-selling author of fifteen books including Laughing Matters, Who Put My Life On Fast Forward?, I Used to Have Answers…Now I Have Kids, Making Life Rich Without Any Money, and Honey, I Dunked the Kids. Phil's writings have been translated into languages like Polish, Chinese, Spanish, German, Dutch, Indonesian, and English (one of which he speaks fluently!) (Read an article about him.)
*Article used by permission
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To read more about life balance, check out Who Put My Life on Fast Forward?
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Check out Phil's book, Golfing With the Master where Phil demonstrates how you can enjoy the great game of golf while enriching your life. A great Father's Day gift idea!