Dear PapaPops,
To go to my mailbox and get a letter from you as I did recently can really “make my day,” as someone famous once said! You are thoughtful, and I can see in your writing a genuine desire to impart a “new lease on life” to one who might be interested. You didn’t know what sort of reaction you would get from me when you first wrote, but you didn’t let that hold you back!
Now I really never thought of you as indulging in “wishful thinking,” but I do have to admit that what you tell me from the Bible has been pretty far removed from my own concerns. And I don’t know that I’m ready yet to go in that direction.
However, I don’t mind asking whether there is still hope for me – to have a greater purpose in living than I have had, and to have real assurance about life beyond the grave? How could I, or anyone, for that matter, come to believe that there really is a fantastic life beyond the grave? How could a person such as I be sure of having a “ticket” to that “wonderful life,” which you called it in your “Open Letter” to me?
PapaPops, I surely do appreciate your expressions of interest in me and my family. But how does it happen that you could have that sort of interest in one you simply call “an old and dear friend?” You and I haven’t visited together for many years; we haven’t gone fishing or hiking together; we haven’t attended a sports event together; or anything similar! Pardon me for questioning your motives, if that’s what it is. However, I do wonder WHY you seem interested in ME!
PapaPops, to continue our previous exchange of thoughts about life on Planet earth, so many people who think about earth’s origins, just seem to accept blindly an evolutionary hypothesis. That’s the environment in which I’ve lived and pursued business and community service. However, I can’t help but look up at the heavens on a starry night, or hear the booming roar of a great waterfall and see its majestic beauty, or see a majestic mountain top, without wondering, -- how could all this beauty and power have “just happened?” Interesting to contemplate, isn’t it?
But now, perhaps it’s most important for me to think about my own purpose and destiny, in addition to admiring the beauties of creation around us. I know you are concerned, and I don’t mean to treat your concern lightly. You have been respectful toward my business career, as well as other careers that are not part of the Gospel ministry, and I appreciate that. Many people who are friends of mine are involved in them.
Didn’t you present the thought that any career that is honest, ethical, and helpful to other human beings could be called “good?” And I do seem to remember at Sunday School, when I attended many years ago, hearing about people that God or His leaders designated to be musicians, builders, designers, manufacturers, etc. If that was a part of God’s plan back in those times, I suppose it could be considered so today, too. Agreed?
Before I close this letter, PapaPops, I’d like to ask you again about that favorite Bible verse of yours, called John 3:16. I think you designated it as, “The Gospel in a Nutshell.” What exactly do you mean by that? Is it a condensation, or a summary of certain parts and stories of the Bible? Or would you call it symbolic of something? Explain, please. That verse does have a great ring to it, doesn’t it?
What about the “solid hope” that you wrote about? I do admire the way you seem to be clearly “steering by the stars” so to speak, in your assessment of the satisfaction that life can bring here and now. My life has been given to me to live, and to no one else, so why shouldn’t I look for all the pleasure that I can get? Why shouldn’t I consider that “I am the Master of my fate…I am the Captain of my soul,” as the old and well-known poem “Invictus” expresses it?
Until we write again….
Art
To the reader: If you have not followed my exchange of letters with my old friend Art, but would like to see what has preceded this present letter, just scroll down, and click on "Older Posts." You may have to do this several times before getting to the earlies letter (posted on or about 7-29-07).
-- PP
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
An Open Letter to My Old Friend, Arthur Zee –
Dear Art,
As I sit here thinking about you today, I am very appreciative of your friendship early in life. We had some mighty good times talking together over a cup of coffee, didn’t we, Art? You often cheered me up, and I look back on those days with fondness. Now we’ve advanced a good deal through life, from those “good old days.” But we can still remember them, and we can still find a way to encourage each other. At least, I hope that I can be an encouragement to you, my “old friend Art.”
As I think about the different paths that you and I took in life, I remember how you entered business, and became very successful. You just seemed to have the talent, and one might say, the expertise, for that. And besides your natural suitability, you got a business education in the very best schools, and I congratulate you on that. Business seemed to fit your personality, and your individual interests, to a “T.” Now you are no doubt reaping the earthly rewards from such a brilliant career in business. You’ve been able to have an expensive home, and a great car. You’ve educated your children well. And I believe that you’ve traveled a lot on vacation with your wife, and seen many parts of the world.
On the other hand, I chose the way of the ministry. When we were young, you and I talked about what we wanted to do with our lives. Do you remember that, Art? My thought was, and is to this day, that there’s nothing wrong with business, or with the professions, or farming, etc., and I could probably take an interest in several of them. But, -- my desire was to be a servant of the Lord, “full time.” So I went to college and graduate school, to learn to be the best pastor that I could be. Over the years since that time, I’ve been able to preach the Word of God, pray with many people, and participate in the growth of the work of the Lord, worldwide.
Art, now that you’ve retired and seen the world in large part, what will you do next? You’ve helped your children get established in their own homes and families. You and your wife still seem to be in good health. So what is “over the next hill,” or “over the horizon” for you now? Will you travel even more? Will you start a new career? Will you take up singing, or photography, or learn to be a mountain-climbing guide, or what? Have any ideas? Then if you do, what about after that – after you retire for the last time? Do you have an eternal home to go to when your earthly journey is done?
That is my own firm and steadfast hope, and I wish it were yours, too. I actually know, not that I’m wishing so or hoping so, but actually know that I will be at home with our Lord and Savior when my earthly journey is done. Now I say that, not based on anything I have ever done, or could ever do, to deserve such a future. No, indeed! It is only because of what was done for me (and for you, too, Art, my friend) when our Savior gave His life on the “Old Rugged Cross,” i.e. the Cross at Calvary, so long ago. That most terrible death of His took place because of the love that the Father in Heaven has for you and me, and for everyone.
Art, my hope for you now is that you will hear the love from God that I have in my heart for you as a dear friend, and that you will consider the claims that our Savior has on your life. There is a day coming, for both of us, and for everyone else, when all that we’ve known, and done, and loved here, in this world, will be gone. On that day, all that will matter is what we have done with our Savior in this life. Have we trusted Him thoroughly for our past, present, and future? Or have we neglected Him, and pursued only the pleasures of this life?
May I ask one more thing, my friend – would you please take some time soon, to read and carefully study the Gospel of John in the New Testament (often called the “Fourth Gospel”)? It will answer many of your questions about the highest meaning and purpose that anyone can have in life. And then, when you have read, and re-read it several times, would you let me how it affects you? And I want you to know for sure, that if you have any questions about what you read in the Gospel of John, I would like to know them, and have the privilege of talking with (or writing to you) about them. It is such a wonderful life, and it is meant for you as well as for me!
Sincerely, from your old and dear friend,
“PapaPops”
Dear Art,
As I sit here thinking about you today, I am very appreciative of your friendship early in life. We had some mighty good times talking together over a cup of coffee, didn’t we, Art? You often cheered me up, and I look back on those days with fondness. Now we’ve advanced a good deal through life, from those “good old days.” But we can still remember them, and we can still find a way to encourage each other. At least, I hope that I can be an encouragement to you, my “old friend Art.”
As I think about the different paths that you and I took in life, I remember how you entered business, and became very successful. You just seemed to have the talent, and one might say, the expertise, for that. And besides your natural suitability, you got a business education in the very best schools, and I congratulate you on that. Business seemed to fit your personality, and your individual interests, to a “T.” Now you are no doubt reaping the earthly rewards from such a brilliant career in business. You’ve been able to have an expensive home, and a great car. You’ve educated your children well. And I believe that you’ve traveled a lot on vacation with your wife, and seen many parts of the world.
On the other hand, I chose the way of the ministry. When we were young, you and I talked about what we wanted to do with our lives. Do you remember that, Art? My thought was, and is to this day, that there’s nothing wrong with business, or with the professions, or farming, etc., and I could probably take an interest in several of them. But, -- my desire was to be a servant of the Lord, “full time.” So I went to college and graduate school, to learn to be the best pastor that I could be. Over the years since that time, I’ve been able to preach the Word of God, pray with many people, and participate in the growth of the work of the Lord, worldwide.
Art, now that you’ve retired and seen the world in large part, what will you do next? You’ve helped your children get established in their own homes and families. You and your wife still seem to be in good health. So what is “over the next hill,” or “over the horizon” for you now? Will you travel even more? Will you start a new career? Will you take up singing, or photography, or learn to be a mountain-climbing guide, or what? Have any ideas? Then if you do, what about after that – after you retire for the last time? Do you have an eternal home to go to when your earthly journey is done?
That is my own firm and steadfast hope, and I wish it were yours, too. I actually know, not that I’m wishing so or hoping so, but actually know that I will be at home with our Lord and Savior when my earthly journey is done. Now I say that, not based on anything I have ever done, or could ever do, to deserve such a future. No, indeed! It is only because of what was done for me (and for you, too, Art, my friend) when our Savior gave His life on the “Old Rugged Cross,” i.e. the Cross at Calvary, so long ago. That most terrible death of His took place because of the love that the Father in Heaven has for you and me, and for everyone.
Art, my hope for you now is that you will hear the love from God that I have in my heart for you as a dear friend, and that you will consider the claims that our Savior has on your life. There is a day coming, for both of us, and for everyone else, when all that we’ve known, and done, and loved here, in this world, will be gone. On that day, all that will matter is what we have done with our Savior in this life. Have we trusted Him thoroughly for our past, present, and future? Or have we neglected Him, and pursued only the pleasures of this life?
May I ask one more thing, my friend – would you please take some time soon, to read and carefully study the Gospel of John in the New Testament (often called the “Fourth Gospel”)? It will answer many of your questions about the highest meaning and purpose that anyone can have in life. And then, when you have read, and re-read it several times, would you let me how it affects you? And I want you to know for sure, that if you have any questions about what you read in the Gospel of John, I would like to know them, and have the privilege of talking with (or writing to you) about them. It is such a wonderful life, and it is meant for you as well as for me!
Sincerely, from your old and dear friend,
“PapaPops”
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Three Days of the Greatest Week
Three days there are which tower over
The finest days of time;
The days Christ died and rose again,
God’s work of love so prime!
Fierce nails pierced through His hands and feet, --
They nailed Him to a cross;
His lashed back and crown of thorns
How deep His pain and loss!
Instruments of death these were,
But could not take His life;
Instead He gave all up for me,
My children and my wife!
With Him in death two thieves that day,
Three crosses side by side;
One mocked and died in unbelief,
But one for mercy cried.
His plea was heard, and Jesus said,
With words both kind and pure,
“With me today in Paradise --
Your future is secure!”
Now on the Cross His work all done,
“It’s finished!” Jesus said;
His spirit He dismissed at once,
His body truly dead!
Keen friends then take His body down
And lay it in a tomb;
Throughout the sabbath day it stays
In that cold, stony room.
Though final all now thought His death,
No faith! No hope! No cheer!
No enemy could hold Him back,
He promised to reappear!
The long night past, and then the dawn
Of Resurrection day!
In triumph He arose, Who is
The Life, the Truth, the Way!
On these three days my Savior did
What none could ever do;
He paid the debt of all my sin,
And death He conquered, too!
I’m glad today, so very glad
For those days long ago,
Because the Gospel I've believed,
The Savior I now know!
This greatest blessing on life's way,
No secret to you and me,
Is meant for all who want Him, too,
Believe! And you will see!
-- Poet Les
The finest days of time;
The days Christ died and rose again,
God’s work of love so prime!
Fierce nails pierced through His hands and feet, --
They nailed Him to a cross;
His lashed back and crown of thorns
How deep His pain and loss!
Instruments of death these were,
But could not take His life;
Instead He gave all up for me,
My children and my wife!
With Him in death two thieves that day,
Three crosses side by side;
One mocked and died in unbelief,
But one for mercy cried.
His plea was heard, and Jesus said,
With words both kind and pure,
“With me today in Paradise --
Your future is secure!”
Now on the Cross His work all done,
“It’s finished!” Jesus said;
His spirit He dismissed at once,
His body truly dead!
Keen friends then take His body down
And lay it in a tomb;
Throughout the sabbath day it stays
In that cold, stony room.
Though final all now thought His death,
No faith! No hope! No cheer!
No enemy could hold Him back,
He promised to reappear!
The long night past, and then the dawn
Of Resurrection day!
In triumph He arose, Who is
The Life, the Truth, the Way!
On these three days my Savior did
What none could ever do;
He paid the debt of all my sin,
And death He conquered, too!
I’m glad today, so very glad
For those days long ago,
Because the Gospel I've believed,
The Savior I now know!
This greatest blessing on life's way,
No secret to you and me,
Is meant for all who want Him, too,
Believe! And you will see!
-- Poet Les
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Finishing my poem
-- The Last Two Stanzas of "In the Shade...."
I once found the love of my life
In college, and she now is my wife;
For many a year,
In a love that’s sincere,
We’ve walked on our way without strife!
Our love for our family is keen,
We pray they live lives that are clean,
Wholly given to God,
And praising the Lord,
In a Christ-honoring daily routine!
-- Poet Les
I once found the love of my life
In college, and she now is my wife;
For many a year,
In a love that’s sincere,
We’ve walked on our way without strife!
Our love for our family is keen,
We pray they live lives that are clean,
Wholly given to God,
And praising the Lord,
In a Christ-honoring daily routine!
-- Poet Les
Monday, April 2, 2007
Why am I here, and Where am I going? When I set up my blog, "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree," I was asked to include a random question. So I included this two-part question.
I think it is indicative of how you and I must feel, if or when we come to the place of grappling with the deep meaning and purpose of human life in this world, -- your life/my life/our lives.
It is clear that you and I had nothing to do with being here in the first place -- here in this world. But is there a purpose for your life and mine? Will it matter in 100 years that you and I have walked this way? Many years ago I sang a beautiful song, "I Shall Not Pass Again This Way!"
But there is another question tugging at the corners of our hearts. It is this -- Where am I going? Do you and I have a destination, -- a destination that is far higher and more significant than retirement, than travel, than golfing, or fishing, or hiking, or mountain climbing, or....? When this life is done, where will you and I be?
There is One Who said long ago, "I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also!" What a marvelous thought! What a wonderful Person Who made this statement, as He expressed tremendous worth in you and me!
I think it is indicative of how you and I must feel, if or when we come to the place of grappling with the deep meaning and purpose of human life in this world, -- your life/my life/our lives.
It is clear that you and I had nothing to do with being here in the first place -- here in this world. But is there a purpose for your life and mine? Will it matter in 100 years that you and I have walked this way? Many years ago I sang a beautiful song, "I Shall Not Pass Again This Way!"
But there is another question tugging at the corners of our hearts. It is this -- Where am I going? Do you and I have a destination, -- a destination that is far higher and more significant than retirement, than travel, than golfing, or fishing, or hiking, or mountain climbing, or....? When this life is done, where will you and I be?
There is One Who said long ago, "I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also!" What a marvelous thought! What a wonderful Person Who made this statement, as He expressed tremendous worth in you and me!
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