Christmas Is Six Months from Today

Speaking In The Light with Pastor Rudy
Another summer is in full swing here in Cape May County. School is out and vacationers are invading the territory by storm. Like you, I drive a bit more defensively, never expecting the other motorist to do the right thing.
On a positive note, I take more walks along the North Wildwood seawall where I hope to catch a breeze to cool down my otherwise overheating body as I also get a glimpse of the beauty of our homeland. I might sneak over to grab a delicious and unique hotdog at Maui’s or at the very least hope to see Hope who manages the local Wawa.
Whatever the occasion, I am setting my mind to live with an attitude of gratitude for what is rather than pining aimlessly over what is not. I ask God to purposely open the eyes of my heart to see the blessings rather than the blunders in the life all around me.
I like to joke by making this statement, “You know the one thing I hardly ever do is complain…” I am a habitual whiner by nature. I can tend to be overly critical and always wishing I was someone else living somewhere else owning something else rather than truly appreciating what I have already been so graciously given.
Let’s face it, I hate heat and humidity. I shuffle through the summer season. As the Loving Spoonful used to sing, when it is “Summer in the City” lots more than the back of my neck perspires with “the dirt and gritty.” And even though I pride myself as one being very witty, I sometimes long to live at the North Pole. Hey, my full name is Rudolph and Christmas is only six months from today. What is really funny is that my children got me my own personal air conditioner for the bedroom for Father’s Day. I immediately turned to my wife Terri and jokingly asked her, “Where are you going to sleep now?” I was envisioning icicles hanging from my pillow and a wind chill of negative 20 on Route 83.
But I eventually go full circle and exit my self-centered circle of one. And when God gets a hold of my senses I return from my spout off sessions with a heart that longs to be selfless and used by him. I love the fact that God allows us to vent and talk and jump and shout and knock ourselves out, as long as we follow him in humble obedience.
The Lord knows I will do whatever he wants, wherever he wants it done whenever he may choose to use me. I know I may make a lot of noise in what can be at times expressed in an intolerably full volume- but when push comes to shove- I desire my life to shout to the world of the goodness of the Lord.
If summer is the season to go dancing in the streets, then let me do so with the heart of a child. And if raindrops start falling on my head- then I will play out in the storm while jumping in a few puddles along the way. I will sing my song out very strong with the hope and prayer that maybe you might just sing along. I want to run against the wind with the heart of a warrior and assure you that you don’t need to worry baby because everything is going to be alright. It’s a miracle, a true blue spectacle that I’m still here and this genuine Jersey boy is going to walk like a man whatever God has planned.
I’m a believer and I could not leave here if I tried. God’s truth is in my ears and in my eyes and whatever the fool may choose to believe- this follower has decided to take the love of God to the streets. Do you want to dance with me as we grow up still crazy after all these years?
I have no idea what is ahead. Part of me actually doesn’t really care about the details. The guarantee that I have is no matter where I go, the presence of my Lord will be right here.
So as I embark upon my 18th year as the pastor of The Lighthouse Church, I want to renew my childlike innocence that clings to the fact that if I believe I will see and taste and know the glory of God in our midst. I never want to wander this earth without the wonder of heaven. And no matter how many miles I may have left to go, let’s just say I long to not only make the trip,- but be aware enough to enjoy the journey. So have great summer and the best Christmas ever.