Daily Buffet

Over the weekend, I watched a fantastic movie called The Railway Man.  It’s based on a true story from the second World War and recounts the post-war trauma a British soldier, Eric Lomax, experienced from the time he spent in a Japanese POW camp.

If you want to watch this without knowing the ending just stop now, or jump to the end.

Years after the war, the soldier seeks out his previous tormenter and a pretty intense reunion ensues, ending with an exchange of letters as reconciliation wins the day.  I love this from the very end of the movie.

Dear Mr. Nagase, the war has been over for many years. I have suffered much, but I know you have suffered, too. And you have been most courageous, and brave in working for reconciliation. While I cannot forget what happened in Kanchanaburi, I assure you of my total forgiveness. Sometime the hating has to stop.

Although several parts of the movie are dramatized from the actual event.  This quote is fairly close to the letter that was sent from the Lomax to Nagase.  As we go about today, let us make sure that the hating stops with us.

March Fourth!

It’s a day.  It’s a sentence. It’s a marching band. It’s Friday! (and for those with a hankering against puns, it is National Grammer Day!)

Whatever your thoughts on this pun, it’s a great day to think about persistence and taking a stand and moving towards a goal.

Let’s Go!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 NIV

When I get into a rut where I don’t read, sometimes, it’s hard for me to write.  That’s been this week, and that;s when I stumble into insane stuff like this.

Today is ‘I Want You To Be Happy Day’, which seems pretty fitting for the general theme that has been coming out of these posts this year.  And since it is also National Anthem Day, maybe we can make our anthem making others happy!   yeah, see what I did there!

Really.  Keep your eyes out for someone else who you can uplift today!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) 

Sometimes when you wake up and look at the news you have to remind yourself of how all of this ends. I quick look in the last chapter can provide a little bit of refreshment and hope.

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this part of the country, today is the primary election.  I have never in all of my years of voting been as anxious, confused and nervous as I am as I head to the polls today.  There have always been candidates I liked and disliked. Every time in the past there has been a candidate that I, at least, felt like I could sort of support.

This time, for me, I can’t find one.  That’s on either side of the party lines.   Maybe that’s just me, but it seems like that is where a lot of my peers and friends are as well.  It’s pretty amazing that our great country has such a hard time lifting up citizens with character and integrity that have ideas and can express them.

Well, there are two things that bring me some peace as I head off to cast my ballot today.  One is found in the letter to the Romans

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 (ESV)

and the other are from the words of the Christ himself.

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11 (ESV)

At least, I can have the confidence of who is really in control and who’s hand is on this, regardless of the outcome.

Go Vote!