THEY WERE THE BEST OF TIMES
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Debra seemed to be able to get anything she wanted as a youth and as an adult. She seemed to have it all, good looks and an outgoing personality. It looked pretty obvious that her God-given gifts would take her far.
Everyone looking from the outside knew those gifts were the best thing that ever happened to her.
Phil was described by his coaches, friends, and family, as a “stud.” He too seemed to have it all, enough brains, rugged looks, a decent arm, with speed and quickness that could get him out of just about any tough spot on the football field. His God given gifts were the best thing that ever happened to him.
Tina was a natural. Motherhood seemed to fit her like a glove, she just made it look easy compared to the other moms. Tina’s kids were well behaved, involved in school, got good grades and were well above average at everything. Her skills as a mother looked to be the best thing that ever happened to her and her kids.
John made all the right moves. He knew when to buy and when to sell. When he went into business for himself, there wasn’t anyone who doubted that he would become successful. We just didn’t know how successful…
All the right moves put John in a league of his own. That success that seemed to come on him overnight was the best thing that ever happened to him and his family.
We’ve all seen it. The people that just seem to have more skill, gifts, or luck when it comes to certain things. The gifted people use those gifts given by God to achieve what most people never get a shot at.
I’m always in awe of the people, to whom the natural abilities come to with less effort than the rest of us. However, often there is another side to the success stories…
Things started to look different in Debra’s life when she hit her late forties. She was still pretty, but her eyes had a hardened distance to them. Her gifts served her well for awhile, but couldn’t hold together a couple of marriages.
The men Debra would have to settle for and rely on now, she found less than desirable. She felt forced to use the only gift she’d ever developed…
The same gifts that carried Phil through a colorful high school football career carried him through college and a mid round draft choice after his sophomore year into the NFL. Phil showed promise, but his quickness and speed were just above average, playing against the best in the world.
After several teams tried to train Phil to stay in the pocket and become a passer, they gave up. When things got dicey, Phil always reverted to his roots, he tried to run. That strength had become Phil’s weakness and ran him right out of football.
As Tina’s children got older and eventually went on to school, she found herself alone with a man she didn’t know; her husband. Tina had been so involved in her children’s lives she had become what looked like the perfect mother, but not the perfect wife…
After 25 years of marriage, the gap of neglect became too wide to get over for Tina and her husband…
John had it all, mini-mansion, vacation homes, private plane, yacht, and the stellar office with marble on the walls. He was fortunate enough to buy fancy cars for his children, the best schools money could buy, and the best drug rehabs as well for his wife and children. They were the best of times…
The only thing John lacked was the experience in business to know how to deal with a long recession. He lost it all… Including his family…
In hindsight and wisdom from God almighty, life is different than what the world tells us it is. Sometimes the best things that we are blessed with can become the worst things that we are cursed with. This happens when we rely only on the gifts in our flesh.
In contrast, some of our daily struggles that we dread and groan through, are really the best gifts we could ever be given. By not receiving some of the most treasured gifts in our flesh, we receive some of the best gifts in our lives. The gifts from God that develop the most important of all gifts; grace, mercy, perseverance, and the wisdom to see the real truth in the gift of a simple life.
This is when less becomes so much more…
(All characters are fictional)
Sunday, September 18, 2011 @ 10:28 pm
Just average – makes for just a normal person, an average Joe or Mary. Most of us fit into that class. It is the weak and average man or woman that God can use. Perhaps not doing the flashy miracles or having top selling books but just living the day to day life that God has planned, and loving and serving our families.
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 7:00 am
My sentiments exactly. It really is a blessing to have that average life, it’s not always the most desirable, but isn’t that human nature? The grass always greener thing? I’m beginning to really appreciate all the things I desired, but didn’t get. I have way more than enough. I think that’s the case with most of us.
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 11:03 am
The only gift anyone has that I envy is children. Bob and I wanted a houseful.
Anyway, I trust that God, who gave Sarah a baby at 90, isn’t limited in any way despite the myopic vision of medical science! 🙂
Bob and I have an “average” life, but an abundance of love! I wouldn’t trade love for anything!
Loved your post!
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 12:53 pm
The crazy thing about us as humans is that we are seldom satisfied with the gifts we get. Only with time and seeking God can we start to see the Light. Love your attitude, who knows what God has in store for you. I’m praying it will satisfy your deepest desires. The gift you share with your husband is encouraging and lifting, thanks for sharing.
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 1:55 pm
Our lives are about focusing and growing what we do have, not what we don’t. This applies to every area. Sure, we are all fallen and it’s easy for people to focus on what we are lacking. My favorite people are the ones who are focused on what I do offer, not what I’m missing. Kind of just like you Floyd. ; )
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 5:15 pm
Thanks Audra, seeking God first kind of helps see things for the way they really are and especially people for who they really are. Like you! It’s all about perspective isn’t it?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 1:12 am
Well said, Floyd. I love the scenarios you created and the way you revealed the downside afterwards. It’s a good reminder not to be comparing ourselves when we don’t know the full picture. You made me stop and be thankful for what I do have.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 7:06 am
Thanks Chuck, I have to admit, sometimes I need a reminder myself. You know the old saying, “things are never exactly what they seem,” really ring true especially the older we get. No wonder Christ said, “Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.” We do tend to get sidetracked…
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 11:30 am
We can never tell from our high school yearbook “Who’s Who” the people that actually will do well. The ones we pick at “most likely to succeed” shows how little we really know. ha. Excellent post. May we all use the circumstances we’ve been given to the best of our God-given abilities.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 4:26 pm
I agree, we usually are way off the mark. It’s so easy to focus on other people and their gifts instead of the ones God’s place within us. Great point. Thanks Lisa.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 4:59 pm
We have to remember who gave us our gifts. It’s not easy when the world praises you for those gifts. So easy to develop the mindset that it’s all us. The balance is developing and using those gifts while always acknowledging who gave us those gifts and in doing so give them back to Him.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 @ 5:29 pm
Amen Amy. God love a humble heart and despises a prideful one. I need to be reminded of that, and the fact that you pointed out all of our gifts come from and belong to Him. It’s easy to miss out on that. Great point. Thanks.
Friday, September 30, 2011 @ 6:50 am
Great post Floyd. Its funny how we all know them, yet they are fictional characters. You do great work! Thank you
Friday, September 30, 2011 @ 6:59 am
Thanks Brad. Funny how the things that are so easy to see from the outside aren’t nearly as easy to see when we’re in the middle of something? Your words are always a bright spot to my day. I know we see life through the exact same pair of colored sunglasses.