Valentine's Day is coming up. I already sent something to my valentine, but don't say anything because it is a secret. Valentine's Day is a great time to show your love for someone, but also a good time to salute your friends. Friendship is so importan.
So what do you do with a friend that keeps breaking promises, goes their own way without regard for you or others, and generally is unreliable? Friendship is so important in a world where we feel much of the time unloved and unwanted. We all know what a joy and encouragement it is to a have a friend who values us for who we are and not what we do for them.
I struggle with keeping my temper in check, at times. Not all the time but last night I had to go back to the office because I forget something. I had just been there twenty minutes ago but I had to go get the cord to my computer. As I grumbled my way out to the car other disappointments from the day crowded in to my mind and I thought of numerous frustrations I had this past week. I was feeling very angry. I jerked the seat belt from its place by the driver's door, but as I sped off it didn't come across my chest like it was suppose to. Another jerk and it still did not pull beyond the two inches of give it has as it sits complacently by the door.
I drove over to the office knowing that I had a problem. First, losing my temper did not help anyone. Secondly, the seat belt was no longer able to be pulled across my chest. Third, if I was stopped for any reason I would get a ticket for no seat belt on. (There was someone stopped by the local police on Foothill Blvd. on my way over, but I drove very carefully and no one stopped me.)
I woke up the next morning remorseful, knowing again I had failed to keep my temper in check. We needed that car this morning to help a friend and it was not available. My remorse grew and I repeated my rationale for my actions, but the hole got deeper. It didn't help that now I was going to have to get the car repaired. Money normally spent on other things was going to have to be used to repair the broken seat belt.
When I have lost my temper before it has cost me and yet I don't seem to learn, do I? I forget that Jesus is my Lord and my friend. I forget that my concerns can be shared with him and that he is able to listen and walk with us through all the frustrations and disappointments of life.
I broke my promise to not lose my temper again, to lean on him at all times. I turned to my own way. I did not place my trust in him. I have offended him more than once and yet he keeps walking with me. I wish I could tell you that he miraculously fixed the seat belt, but that didn't happen. The cost is not going to be as high as it could be because of the willingness of the car manufacture to apply my warranty a little beyond the maximum. But I am a repeat offender.
I can only tell you that God has sent me a valentine, Jesus. Jesus came to forgive me and you, to redeem me and you, and to give me, and you, a new start. So let us not forget to tell God how much we appreciate all that he has done, is doing, and will do. He is the one who will never let us down. He is a Repeat Redeemer. May we share with him all of our hopes and joys, disappointments and sorrows. He will love us till the end.
Happy Valentine's Day
Pastor Randy
