Precious Moments

Go back ten, twenty years ago. Could you have predicted where you are today? What you have achieved, the challenges you have faced and how far you have come on your journey? There may have been dreams, wishes and prayers, but none of us are able to see into the future and predict what would be.

Over the last few weeks, there have been hours, and days of laughter and reminiscing about the good old days, with good (but not so old...) friends. Time has moved on and we may be in different parts of the world. There are spouses and children, and we no longer stay up all night with reckless abandon. And yet there is a comfort in acceptance of where we have been and who we are. A comfort in knowing the other has seen the good, bad and ugly, and still accepts you for you.

There is a gift in holding each other accountable, encouraging each other and reminding ourselves of how far we have made it and the endless possibilities that still lie ahead.

We constantly grow and evolve, hoping to know more of our identities, faith, purpose and passions (even as these shift across life's changing seasons).

I have been reminded over the last few weeks that really our ways are not God's ways, and he knows and holds the future. Even as we walk through a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (I have been taking notes in business school!), let us hold on to the simple precious moments. Let us make time for these those that stand by our side, and do the small things like a video call, coffee, lunch or a walk together. This gives us fuel, and motivates us to keep moving, no matter what lies ahead.

And as we walk, we are thankful. We encourage each other through the word of God and prayer. We remind each other that God still has more in store for us: more than we can dream of or imagine. As we walk, we look forward to the next moments where we can share and reminisce. Knowing that no matter what lies ahead, we would have songs of praise on our hearts. That there would always be something to make us laugh so much, and so loudly, that others walking past would give us strange looks, and yet we would not care because we know that these are precious moments...

The least of these

Living in Accra (like most cities), means living in a world of contrasts. One can lead a comfortable life, settle in the affluent side of town, get caught in the latest trends or most happening restaurants, lounges and bars. And yet just around the corner, on the next street, or at the traffic light intersection, one is often faced with people in need: a beggar, or someone asking for funds for their next meal, rent payment, or school fees.

What is your disposition when faced with such situations? Being exposed to this day in and out can lead to one being desensitized to such issues. We all at one point or another may feel ripped off, lied to or taken advantage off. It can feel overwhelming, that it is too much of a problem for one person to solve. It may be easier and less complicated to turn a blind eye.

Reflecting on Matthew 25:35-40, righteousness is linked with giving to those who need food and are thirsty, caring for those in prison, making a stranger feel welcome and caring for those who are sick. Jesus said all this done for the least of these, is done for him. Righteousness can be seen has having a right relationship with God and mankind. It is extending generosity and love to the fatherless, poor, immigrant and those on the fringes of society. Over and over again in the bible, we are called to give and to love, especially to those who are not able to return the favor. We are called to give and love, regardless of the response or motivation of the receiver.

John Piper puts it quite bluntly this way:

“When you get to heaven, you will not hear out of the mouth of King Jesus, “Wow. You were sure shrewd not to be taken advantage of.” I promise you, that will not be one of your rewards. If you were taken advantage of fifty percent of the time, and the other fifty percent it met some need and glorified Jesus — and you don’t know which is which; he does — he doesn’t really care whether you got ripped off”

He then shares how he made it a point to have some change on him every time he was to walk past beggars in his area, and spend a few minutes talking to them to get to know their story. Helping may look different for each one of us, but the important thing is that we do something.

We can start within our neighborhoods, and those around us, and we can also partner with organisations to help those in need.

International Justice Mission is an organisation that works with government agencies to rescue victims of various forms of abuse and ensure that they are protected in the long term through effective law enforcement. In Ghana, much of its work is focused on trafficked children working in the fishing industry on the Volta Lake. Here children work up to fourteen hours a day with one meal a day. They face physical and emotional abuse, are denied basic education and medical attention. The stories are hard to hear, and some even drown on the lake. International Justice Mission works with the government and other partners for the rehabilitation of these young children. Over time there is change and there is hope, which is clear to see on the demeanor and faces of these young ones. They start to smile, trust and play again.

I have the privilege of working with International Justice Mission, and this hope is what keeps us going day after day. On the third Sunday in September (Freedom Sunday) every year, we celebrate God’s heart for justice across churches all over the country. We remind each other of our responsibilities to help. This can be through being an advocate of the cause, or becoming a prayer partner and supporting the work through consistent prayer.

Most of all, today is a day that I reflect and remind myself to not get too comfortable. To not turn a blind eye to the need I see around me, but to see what little ways I can reach out to those most in need. I remind myself that in all I do, I should remember to:

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Isaiah 1:17

What did you mean by love?

Every now and then, I get a song stuck in my head either because of the beat, catchy lyrics or a message that really resonates with me.

Over the last week I chanced on a song in my play list and it has been living rent free in my head. Yes, the tune is catchy but more so, asks a very real question and one I've heard many lament over.

The song essentially asks what did you mean when you said 'love'.

It resonates because I feel that love is a strong word but so often overused. Used without care, depth or meaning. Used to get a certain reaction or for selfish interests.

Here presumably as a relationship is on the verge of ending, the guy is being asked what he meant by love:

"Is it really what you meant to whisper with kisses down her neck?

Maybe you meant "like you strongly"

It looks like you meant "see you later"?

Maybe you should have just said what you meant. No hieroglyphics to decipher or beating round the bush"

What really does love mean? How does someone know you truly love them?

This has been the topic of many pop songs and romantic comedies.

Does love exist that is more than emotion, or physical attraction? Is there a love that is a decision and not arrogant or insists on its own way?

Is there a perfect kind of love, and what does this look like?

I don't have the answers, but here is a link to the track, enjoy.........

https://youtu.be/kd-8yZ1hhko

What Did You Mean (When You Said Love)

Theo Katzman