NO, I am not referencing that movie which I have never seen. I guess I’ve just always perceived it as a “chick-flick”. Do you ever wish you had more common sense? Every. Day. Of. My. Life. (I don’t know how that style of texting began, but it is good for emphasis). Common sense and trust are often great compliments to each other. I believe that it is practical common sense to trust in The One who is ultimately the most trustworthy. The older we get, the more common sense and wisdom we accumulate. But it is never enough. Our fallible, sinful natures will not allow us to skate through life without mishaps and errors of judgment. Why did I say that? How could I have been so stupid?

My common sense tells me to yield to and learn from those who are more sensible than I.

 I share this prayer that was shared with me.

“Lord, you know better than me that I am growing old and will someday be old. Keep me from being overly talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say anything on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from trying to straighten out everyone’s business. Keep my mind from reciting endless details; give me wings to come to the point. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of other’s pains. Help me to endure them with patience. Even though my own aches and pains are increasing and my love of rehearsing them gets sweeter to my own ears, shut me up! I do not want to be a saint, as some of them are hard to deal with. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. Keep me from overusing the wisdom you have blessed me with.”

“There is never a simple answer to a complex question.”

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”.

God fills us hungry souls with good things. We are the gracious beneficiaries of His common sense and wisdom. His Spirit is our compass and guide as we navigate the inevitable aging process. We give thanks for the blessing of added years, even as we grieve for those we have lost. It was not “before their time”, but in God’s time. May you feel the embrace of His unconditional, eternal love.

Pastor Art