Reading in Romans today, I came across Chapter 12, Verse 16. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” I began thinking about our worship band and how they work harmoniously to create a beautiful, pleasing sound for us and God. But, if one musician becomes proud and steps away from harmony, that beautiful sound becomes noise to our ears.

Paul is telling us to live in harmony with one another. However, this is not always easy to do. When we think of all the people we’ve encountered over the years, we have found some extremely difficult to harmonize with. But as Christians, that is exactly what we’re called to do: to love others even when it seems impossible.

Today, I’m asking God to help me to love others regardless of how difficult it may be. I ask for a humble heart so I can repay unkindness with love.

Do we truly know our full capabilities? Who or what do we turn to when we become overwhelmed with life and our troubles and burdens are crushing us? At these times, we learn our limited capacities and realize we have worldly or Godly choices. The path to destruction or the way to righteousness? We must turn to our creator, whose capacities to serve and love are limitless.

It was another ordinary day, and I did not want to get out of bed. As you age, more of those days occupy your morning routine. I got ready for work, feeling just how monotonous life can be. On the drive to work, I exited Lizard Lick Road to I-87 South toward Raleigh. I immediately noticed all traffic was staying on the right shoulder, so I followed. There were no flashing lights, but I noticed a few cars stopped in the middle lane, and people were out of their vehicles talking. As I drove a few yards more, I saw a crumpled motorcycle and a man lying beside it. The accident had just happened, and nothing could be done for the man. At that moment, I began to pray for the man, praying he accepted Christ and was saved and asking God to accept this man’s soul into His house.

I realized that being able to wake up in the morning and go to work was a blessing and that each day should be cherished regardless of how hard life can be. I understand the importance of counting blessings, appreciating life, and expressing gratitude for God’s guidance. I also know how quickly it can all go away in the blink of an eye and that we need to be ready for when it does.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7 | ESV)

Father God, help us not to take our blessings for granted and to trust in you always. Amen!

Roughly 150 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska, is Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest mountain, Mount Denali, also known as Mount McKinley. On days when clouds are not covering the summit, you can see the mountain 150 miles away. I’m reminded of the beauty of the mountain as it towered above the Alaskan Range.

When the burdens become unbearable, it’s easy to feel abandoned and frustrated, and we want things to get better and become more accessible.

At my last deacons meeting, we engaged in powerful and honest prayer to God. These prayers were not polite nor scripted. The cries to God were from the heart and brutally honest.

Please continue to be honest with God. Pour out your heart daily so that He may refine it, thus allowing us to celebrate Him in difficult circumstances.