Celia’s last newsletter was sent out in June. We have some catching up to do. It’s been a busy, incredible summer and the traveling has been great.
Saturday night we saw the movie “Second Hand Lions.” I recommend it. It is the story of a teenage boy who is literally dropped off in the front yard of his great uncles. His uncles are a couple of retired gentlemen who have lived full lives, and are far from calling it quits. One line that surfaces several times during the movie is “he died with his boots on.” In the movie, having your boots on means staying active.
Though the movie is talking about activity in general, my thoughts turned toward my faith journey. I am reminded of the parable of the sheep and the goats, (It is in Matthew 25 if you want to have a look.) Jesus commends the sheep for their treatment of those in need and ultimately of him. The sheep say, when did we do that? The story continues with the goats answering for their actions. Their best excuse is (I’m paraphrasing). . . if we’d have known it was you, we’d have had our boots on.
The only way to insure that you die with your boots on, is to LIVE with your boots on. It’s not about living in the significant moment, it’s about living in the average moment.
Sunday at our church, we consecrated a new building. During Sunday School, our class spent some time on the word “consecrate.” We talked about definitions. Two meanings we settled on were “to set aside as holy” or “to set aside for religious use.” We also talked about things we consecrate beyond the church. The one that stuck with me is consecrating our lives and our days. I think that’s what morning prayers are for me. A time to recognize the day before me as a gift and to set it aside as holy. Remember the words of the hymn Take my life, and let it be. It was written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1873. (To read a two minute version of her life, follow this link: )
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Consecrate your day and live with your boots on!