Green Eggs and Ham

 

Tonight I read Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" to my youngest daughter. I've read this book several times to my other children, yet this particular time I was struck by the conclusion of this book. 

The Cat in the Hat has declined the various invitations from Sam-I-Am to try green eggs and ham - he will not try them! Yet, as Sam pursues him, the Cat in the Hat finally gives in. 

Sam!
If you will let me be,
I will try them.
You will see.

Say!

I like green eggs and ham!
I do! I like them, Sam-I-am!
And I would eat them in a boat!
And I would eat them with a goat.
And I will eat them in the rain.
And in the dark. And on a train.
And in a car. And in a tree.
They are so good so good you see!

So I will eat them in a box.
And I will eat them with a fox.
And I will eat them in a house.
And I will eat them with a mouse.
And I will eat them here and there.

Say! I will eat them anywhere!
I do so like
Green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am

Just think, the Cat in the Hat could have continued to refuse to try the green eggs and ham. Or, after trying them, he could have denied that he liked them. 

It occurs to me that often we act much like the Cat. When change is introduced we deny the possibilities that the change might bring a favorable impact. Instead, we outright refuse it! Maybe, after we are worn down, we agree to "try" the change just to appease someone - all the while refusing to give it a true chance.  

What is required, from us all, is to, first, listen; listen to the thoughts and insights of others. Then, second, we must put our own opinions aside and give true consideration to the suggestions of others - this may require us giving the suggested "change" a chance. And, finally, we must set our own pride aside and do what is best - for ourselves and others. 

Say! I will eat them anywhere!
I do so like
Green eggs and ham!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am

Make It Right Now...Not Later

There are two questions that I ask this time every year, maybe you have similar ones;

"What are you going to start doing in the new year?"

"What are you going to stop doing in the new year?"

• I ask these questions of myself. 
• I ask these questions about our family. 
• I ask these questions of our church leadership. 
• I ask these questions of as many people as I can in regard to as many situations as I can. 

In years past these two questions have helped me to get to the heart of what must happen in the year that lies ahead. This morning I sat to reflect on these two areas and to evaluate how I did - personally, as a husband, as a father, and as a church leader. And that's when it hit me, there is a huge problem with these two questions. 

When we sit to evaluate a situation - whether it be a relationship, an attitude, or an action - whether it relates to our life, our family, our home, or our career - if we come to the conclusion that something must start or stop, we must do it immediately! 

The problem with starting something or stopping something in the new year is that we have such a broad time frame to correct it. So this new year's eve, I am changing my questions and will be asking;

"What are you going to start doing today?"

"What are you going to stop doing today?"

Don't aim to make things right in 2013, aim to make them right now!

Change Your Life

It seems like almost every day we hear of a product that will change our lives forever. It seems in our culture today that technological advances have really changed our lives, in both the private and public sector (Internet, cell phones, computers, etc.). Years ago we were introduced to a product called the Snuggie and told that it would change our lives.

This morning the following video came on the TV about Tony Little and his success. Tony Little is the infomercial king, he continues to roll out exercise equipment that will "change your life". The odd thing is that, when you watch his infomercials, every product he comes up with will "change your life forever"

Let me say, we own a Snuggie and it did not change our lives. I know quite a number of people that have purchased some of this stuff that has been designed and marketed by Tony Little and, while it seems to change their life for a few weeks or months, the excitement soon passes and it becomes just another material possession in their house, and soon their garage.

Yet, there is one thing that can truly change your life forever. This is not a new thing which is proof that it is not a fad and that it has stood the test of time. It is not a "quick fix", nor is it an easy fix, in fact it has some rather demanding requirements for all those that accept it. Jesus Christ came from God the Father full of grace (to save) and truth (to teach) and stated that He did not come to abolish the law (of the past) but to fulfill it. As we follow Him our lives with be changed as we live our days on this earth (through increased love, hope, and joy) and also after we pass away from this earth (through eternal life and glory with Him).