Elevated Friday, October 9th, 2020
Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a heartwarming story of a grandfather whose gift was much outweighed by his words accompanying it. In Montgomery, Alabama, 72-year-old Randy Long recently cleaned out his garage. He found a bucket of old baseballs that brought back fond memories of playing catch with his son (now 46) and grandson (now 23). He did not have much use for them anymore so he donated them to a local batting cage, but in doing so left a note. The note read, “Hope someone can use some of these baseballs in the batting cages. I found them cleaning my garage. I pitched them to my son and grandson for countless rounds. My son is now 46 y/o and my grandson is 23 y/o. I am 72 and what I won’t give to pitch a couple of buckets to them. They have both moved away. If you are a father cherish these times. You won’t believe how quickly they will be gone. God bless. P.S. Give them a hug and tell them you love them every chance you get.” Such a reminder is incredibly powerful anytime, but especially now, when so many of us are so consumed by what is going on in the presidential election, fight against COVID-19, and other issues nationwide.
With so much to consume our attention in the news these days, many of us are not focusing our attention on what really matters in life. Many years from now when this election is over and this COVID-era is past, we will not remember the hours we spent watching news or scrolling through social media. We will remember the moments we spent with loved ones and the true joy that brought us. Philippians says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Focusing our attention on the time spent with loved ones, cherishing those moments, is good and Godly use of our time. Today and this weekend, focus more on your loved ones and see what perspective you gain from it.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8 ESV
Original Article:
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