Thursday, July 12, 2007

It was a dark and stormy life I mean night!


“It was a dark and stormy night…”

Snoopy began many an unfinished novel with this phrase or similar words, followed by--- and a shot rang out….

Charles Schulz, Snoopy’s creator and others have utilized the phrase or similar words to achieve a mood or effect to get a laugh or make a point.

So not to recreate the wheel I to shall borrow the phrase “It was a dark and stormy night”

My mind quickly gets a glimpse of a tree lined lane with large trees over hanging the lane. A car is parked in the lane and the lone driver is standing in front of the car staring at the hood. That is what non mechanical types do when their cars won’t run. No need to open the hood they have no clue what’s under there any way.
The wind picks up and the trees begin to sway and rain drops the size of quarters begins to fall. Suddenly the driver realizes he is not alone……

For many the phrase “It was a dark and stormy night” is much more than a phrase in a book. It is how they view life. It is their reality.

For reasons far too numerous to discuss here, our world is full of people who suffer from fears and phobias. The term “unhappy” does not do credit to the measure of miserable they experience and often spread to others.

Christians have an obligation to share the good news of the gospel. The good news that God loves us and brings a peace to those who accept His unconditional love.

In an effort to share the message of Christ we encounter people from all walks of life. Some we meet will have issues that we may not be qualified to address. The assistance we offer may be a referral to a professional trained to deal with the problem.

It’s not uncommon for all of us to have occasional days when we are stressed or unhappy. We are after all human and every day is not a parade. As we reach out to the world with the message of hope a simple smile, sharing a box of pop sickles with the residents of a local nursing home, will bring about a smile. It does not take a lot to share the joy and hope of the gospel message.

“It was a dark and stormy night…”

On the first day of the week the Son rose from the dead and dispelled the darkness forever for all who believe.