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There is a small crepe myrtle tree outside the window of my home office. The other day I watched a bird build a nest in it. I was impressed at how patient and hard working she was. One twig at a time. Later that day a strong wind and rainstorm kicked up and destroyed much of her work. Undaunted, she began again, hunting for a twig, bringing it to the nest, and twisting it into place. She had a mission, a purpose, a job to do. Something she was meant for. She would lay her eggs there and do her part for the next generation.

I couldn’t help thinking, if only all of us had that kind of clear definition as to our purpose, our mission on this earth. And what incredible things we could accomplish if we all worked relentlessly toward the goal. When adversity strikes, we could find the strength to just pick ourselves up and keep going.

The power is out there. We just need to ask for it.

Recently we took our two oldest grandchildren to a local carnival. They had begged us to take them but we were hesitant because of the cost. When we got there, all I could see were the signs listing the prices. Twenty dollars for wrist bands for the rides. Five dollars for the ring toss games. Eight dollars for lemonade.

I was so focused on the expense, I almost missed the joy on the faces of my little buddies as they gleefully skipped across the grounds, climbed on the rides and won a couple of little teddy bears which they cherished playing games. As we took them home they gave us a big hug and thanked us for bringing them. That was a wonderful moment.

You can’t go through life worried about the negative. If you do, you’ll miss the positive.

When I was a teenager we used to go to the roller skating rink, where they had something they called a spotlight skate. The boys would skate in a circle while the girls would gather in the center. Each girl would tell the usher which boy she wanted to skate with, and the usher would then shine a flashlight on the chosen one. She would then join the boy and skate with him during the next song. They would do three or four spotlight skates every night.

Of course, some boys were more popular than others and skated with several different partners. Others, like me, seldom enjoyed the glow of the flashlight beam. Feeling left out can be devastating, and it doesn’t change when we grow into adulthood. As you go about your life, be aware of people who seem to be left out or unincluded in an activity or a conversation. Make it a point to shine your light on them.

I guarantee it will brighten their day.

There’s nothing wrong with getting mad, as long as you are mad about the right things. Even God is described at times in the bible as being angry, jealous and vengeful. He got mad about evil, and people who live their lives full of self gratification and indifference to others.

So get mad about immorality, hypocrisy, dishonesty, betrayal and insincerity. Getting angry usually brings about passion. Passion for the right cause is a good thing. Just make sure it drives you to being more steadfast in your determination to make good decisions and to set a good example.

And don’t take your anger out on folks who don’t deserve it.

If you exercise your legs, but never work your upper body, your arms and shoulders will become weak. If you pump iron but never work your abdomen, your stomach muscles will atrophy. If you exercise like a demon, but never brush your teeth, they will decay. All of your body has to be in good working shape, because any weakness causes pain across all of you.

The body of Christ works that way. We’re only as effective as our weakest link. Don’t be the problem that causes pain. It’s called a Christian “walk” for a reason. It’s an action. The more you participate in it, the better and stronger you will become at it.

And the world gets in a little bit better shape.

You don’t have to carry it alone, that heavy burden you are living with. It has you worried, stressed out, depressed. It’s too big for you. You feel powerless. Futile. It probably doesn’t help much, but millions of other people feel the same way about something. A problem they can’t control. A fear they are afraid to face.

If you have something very heavy to lift, you ask someone for help carrying it. You can do that with your burden. Give it to Jesus. Put it in His hands and stop worrying about it. You can’t control it, but He can. And whatever He decides will be the right decision.

Believe it or not, there’s peace out there for you. Get out from under your load. He already knows what you need. He’s just waiting for you to ask.

I am a fan of old movies, especially those of the “golden age of Hollywood”, thought to be 1940 to 1960. Movies, of course, are a reflection of the pop culture of the times. It’s fascinating to see how trends and acceptable behavior change through the years. Smoking was considered sophisticated. Patriotism was the rule. Graphic violence, language and sex were only implied, never shown. The stories almost always ended happily and upbeat.

Most notably, Christianity was always portrayed in a reverent and positive light. Not only was belief in Jesus Christ as savior acceptable, it was prevalent. Over time, the film industry has drifted away from these values, believing it had to evolve to match the increasing liberal influence in our culture. It’s not mine to judge whether the changes have been beneficial.

But understand that right and wrong doesn’t change. Movies may reflect where we are going, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right direction.

I’ve detected what seems like a bit of a trend lately and, unlike most modern trends, this one is encouraging. Have you noticed that more and more athletes, when they are interviewed after a big game or a big performance, are giving all honor and glory to God? This used to be very rare until sports figures such as Tim Tebow started doing it on a regular basis.

To say the least, this is incredibly powerful ministry, considering how kids look up to and emulate athletes. It’s also a great example for us to follow. We may not have TV cameras in our face every day, but we can still make it a point to give God the credit when we speak to others about the blessings in our lives.

Athletes take a lot of criticism for being self-centered, greedy, immoral and poor role models. But more and more of them are getting it right. We should too.

I don’t have the building or fixing gene. I am no good with tools. I watch with envy and amazement as some of my male friends build their own porches and fix their own lawnmowers. The three words that strike fear in my heart are “Some Assembly Required”.

I have long been at peace with the knowledge that I will never be a do-it-yourself kind of guy. I can barely use a hammer or a screwdriver. When something breaks I call someone to come fix it. I’m not lazy. I just lack the confidence and know-how to do the job.

Whatever talent God has blessed me with lies in other areas. And that’s okay. Don’t waste time worrying and feeling badly because others have abilities you wish you had. You’ve got your own skill set. God is ready to put it to work.

Money is like water. It can be either beneficial or dangerous. Water is essential. Our bodies are roughly sixty percent water. We need it for drinking, bathing and laundering. Yet water can be devastating. You can drown in it. It can seep into your walls and floors and destroy them. It can flood your streets and take out your neighborhood. Too much water can cause problems.

Money is essential. We need it to pay for food, shelter and medical care. But too much of it can be troublesome. It can lead to excessive self gratification, drug and alcohol abuse, greed and shattered relationships.

Don’t obsess over money. You can drown in it if you’re not careful.