I Remember

article by PAUL LIPE
opinion expressed is that of the writer

I remember just as if it happened yesterday, an incident that still impacts my behavior. I must have been about ten or eleven years old at the time and had not learned all there is to know relative to how to treat others. On that particular day school was in session.

On a regular basis, youth from my neighborhood would gather to play softball in our backyard. On that eventful occasion, I was at bat and my sister, Millie, was pitching. She was two years older than I and showed some significant athletic promise. (A bout with polio would erase her capacity to compete in sports). That day, however, she was on top of her game! And to my embarrassment, she struck me out. To my further “shame,” in a fit of anger, I threw my bat at her! The I started to run, knowing that Millie would come after me. My temper was about to cost me. To my surprise, other players from both teams joined in the pursuit. Fortunately, I was better at running that I was with a bat. I missed Millie, but I outran my chasers.

As I reflected on this explosion of my temper, I was struck by the thought of how I could have caused serious injury to my sister. This started an effort to control my temper, a battle that still goes on but one that has shown some success. God is good … and patient!

The coming of the New Year affords all of us the opportunity to become better persons by making changes in our behavior. Probably all of us have made resolutions in the past but have failed to see victory. If we have tried to be more Christ like but have experienced little progress, what can we do?

What we are unable to do in our own strength can be accomplished with the help of the Lord. That help comes when we are in contact with Him through the study of His word and prayer. I recommend that you make it a regular habit of setting aside time each day for a quiet time. And it will when we feel like we are slipping In our commitment, say a quick prayer for strength and help from the Lord. Without His help we shall fail, but with His grace, victory is possible.

I wish for each of you a Happy New Year, a time of growth and success as you seek to become more like Jesus.