Introduction to a Book ?

The masses have been clamoring for me to write a book. SO much so that, suffering from delusions of adequacy, I am making a feeble start. The book would be "When Life Shakes You Up" ... we shall see.

Introduction:

I was a late bloomer. It all started in 1955, as a five year old, beginning first grade. This was back in the dark ages before kindergarten. Five and six year olds were herded into class rooms, sat in rows, and taught the three R’s and other valuable life lessons. Not the least of which was the authority of teachers.

I was in the hospital for some reason during the first two weeks I should have been in school. My friends spent those weeks learning the ropes of Farnsworth elementary school. I arrived as a timid five year old, not even knowing there were ropes. I sat in the classroom scared and lost. Here I was not far removed from my first steps, and I now found myself in the first of twenty consecutive years of education.

Mrs. Murphy was a short, stout, dark haired, stern looking woman, who administered her classroom with an iron fist. The rules and directions were all new to me and I ended up in the wrong line or some other serious infraction. I guess she wanted to make sure I knew who was boss as she grabbed my arm and shoved me into my rightful place.

Every first grade child in those days was marked with the scab of the required small pox vaccination. Mrs. Murphy was careless enough, or sadistic enough, to grab on to my vaccination arm, opening the wound, which bled all down my arm. Somehow, this was my fault and I was scolded roundly for it.

This day was not my finest hour. I was too scared, of my new teacher to ask permission to use the boys room and the only alternative was to wet my pants. Again brought in front of the class, humiliated, and sent to “the office” on my first day of school. The memory fades as to what happened in “the office” but I think water boarding was legal back then.

Early in life I learned that life wasn’t fair ...and that “stuff “ happens. I learned experientially that the “stuff” of life can really shake you up. Not everyone has a sad poignant first grade story, but everyone has been shaken by life. You have cancer ... there has been a terrible accident ... a friend has betrayed you ... you have made wrong decisions that have led to a life time of pain.

How do you respond when life shakes you up ? This is an important question. As people of faith we can respond on purpose to whatever life brings our way. If our world is shattered and heart broken the reality of a loving God and the resources of His grace are still fully available. Decide now, ahead of time that the next time you are shaken by life, you will on purpose, respond with obedience, assurance, and dependence upon a loving personal God.