Where Is God in Your Circle?
A letter from Marlene Buck…
As Jerry & I entered into the church auditorium yesterday morning, I was handed a "Survey Of Reg. Attendees" along with our morning church antennary. As we settled in our seats I glanced over the survey. I was doing quite well until I got to the AGE Circles. I said to myself, "Oh Gosh..Here we go...another reality check on my age,” and I laughed. The circles read as follows:
O 18-24
O 25-30
O 31-35
O 36-45
O 46-55
X 56-65
O OVER 65
At this moment, after checking my circle age, I was no longer laughing. My mind was revisiting each circle. I was reliving my life. I said to myself, "where has my life gone?" as I looked over the age circles 18-24, I saw a first real job, a first marriage, feeling the first sting of the death of my Grandmother & Step Father, living life with my mom, the birth of my brother Scott, graduating night school for my High School diploma, and more. I say to myself, "where was my faith with God ?"
As I visited the OTHER circles, I see a first divorce, 2 more marriages & 2 failed marriages, lots of wonderful friends, happy times in delivery rooms helping friends bring their children into the world, the reality that I could not have children, buying my first house, job loss, house loss, and a lot of living in between. And again there was that Faith & God question. Where was I??
When I was 12 I was baptized at the First Baptist Church & given my first Bible. My mom had a family Bible that sat on our coffee table right next to the big black panther. I could not understand what I read but I was told if you were bad it could tell you how to be good. I went to church at West End Baptist and even taught Sunday school with my mom. I thought I was doing good… I was in Church, right? I prayed to God and wanted his answer but continued down the road "I" wanted to travel. I traveled my road a long time thinking to myself, I'll let God in Later, I have time.
Well, here I am. Circle 56-65. I will be 65 October 4, 2021 if the Lord lets me live. I am just realizing God wanted a personal relationship with me. Little ole me, imagine that? I have accepted his offer, my life has changed, I have more peace than I have ever known. Times are still hard on His road, but I travel it anyway. I have a wonderful Husband that loves me unconditionally and he shares this journey WITH me, not FOR me. I am truly Blessed that God has given me the Grace that I never deserved and thankful for Jesus, that he loved me enough when I thought no one did.
So my question for you dear friend… Where are you in the Circles? Where is God in your circle? Don't wait till you are at the end of your circles. Get to know God & the Son Jesus. It will be the best thing you ever did, or you might realize, He was there all along.
🙂 Love to all, M