How well are you living your life? Most people think they are doing just fine! I often wonder what others think of how well I am doing. Most often we never learn of this as folks are to polite to be critical. Yet, would it not be helpful to know?
I remember, when I was in seminary, a young student came and knelt beside me while we were in prayer meeting. He said, essentially, "Gary, I don't like you very much but I am asking God to help me love you as a fellow Christian." many years before that, while I was in government service, a community leader told me rather bluntly, "Gary, you are all style and little substance!"
My first reaction to both of these candid remarks was to be offended. After some thought, however, I asked myself, "what is causing them to feel this way?" I start thinking of my behaviors and my interactions with others. If I am not very likable or if I am superficial, what can I do about it?
Well, I am not suggesting that we all rush out and start telling people exactly what we think. That might do more harm than good. Still, I am grateful to those who find a kind way of sharing their thoughts so that I might become better. It may just help me live a better life.
As for now, many years later, I try to live introspectively. It is my desire to always be genuine in my relationship with others. Treating people as I would like to be treated, if you will. I have learned to take great joy in uplifting others and making them feel good about themselves while, at the same time, helping them see opportunities for personal growth.
Mostly, I desire to share the love of God as I have come to know it.
I have also learned not to take myself so seriously.
How about you? Do you think pretty highly of yourself and your accomplishments? Perhaps that is warranted. Remember though, someone out their might have an opposing view!
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Commissioner Andrew S. Miller-An Untold Story
There are almost as many 'Andy Miller' stories as there are pages in the phone book. Colonel Henry Gariepy wrote a book on the Commissioner which chronicled many of them. We all have our favorites.
There is one story that is mine about the Commissioner which I have shared with very few over the years. Perhaps now is a great time to pass it along.
It takes place about 45 years ago when the Commissioner was the PR Secretary for the Greater New York Division. My brother, then Major Wes Laws, was the Corps Officer in Camden, New Jersey. He invited Miller to come and do a special Sunday meeting in Camden. It was a great service punctuated by several 'amens' and 'hallelujahs' from our special guest, often underscored by the rolling thunder coming from the outside thunderstorm. It was raining profusely.
The meeting was held in the old Camden Corps building. At it's front, on each side of the entrance doors were a park-like green bench upon which commuters would sit while waiting for a bus.
At the conclusion of the service when all others had gone home, Major Wes and I scurried outdoors to the parking lot on the side of the building and got in the Corps station wagon. We wanted out of the rain and we were, no doubt, in a hurry to get home and partake of the Sunday meal which had been prepared early that morning.
While sitting in the wagon waiting for our guest, Wes said, "Where's Andy". A moment went by and I was asked to go hurry him along. Upon reaching the front of the Corps, I observed Andy sitting with a man who was waiting for the bus. He was telling him about everyman s need for forgiveness and encouraging the very wet gentleman to accept Jesus as his Lord, the outside elements notwithstanding. Both were rain soaked. Miller told the man we would be happy to take him home and the man accepted the offer. All of the way he witnessed as only Andy Miller could do!
I can't tell you that the man found Christ that day but I can tell you of a young 19 year old who was deeply impressed and moved by this Salvation Army Major who never missed an opportunity to share Jesus. While my brother and I rushed passed this man and headed to the car, Andy saw the opportunity that God had presented him. Praise the Lord!
For me, this experience, more than any other, exemplified the life of Commissioner Andrew S. Miller. I have heard most of the stories, from his praying with Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office to his getting ill while traveling in a small plane with Arnold Brown. All great insights into the man. However, sharing Jesus is the Andy Miller I knew of and will always remember.
There is one story that is mine about the Commissioner which I have shared with very few over the years. Perhaps now is a great time to pass it along.
It takes place about 45 years ago when the Commissioner was the PR Secretary for the Greater New York Division. My brother, then Major Wes Laws, was the Corps Officer in Camden, New Jersey. He invited Miller to come and do a special Sunday meeting in Camden. It was a great service punctuated by several 'amens' and 'hallelujahs' from our special guest, often underscored by the rolling thunder coming from the outside thunderstorm. It was raining profusely.
The meeting was held in the old Camden Corps building. At it's front, on each side of the entrance doors were a park-like green bench upon which commuters would sit while waiting for a bus.
At the conclusion of the service when all others had gone home, Major Wes and I scurried outdoors to the parking lot on the side of the building and got in the Corps station wagon. We wanted out of the rain and we were, no doubt, in a hurry to get home and partake of the Sunday meal which had been prepared early that morning.
While sitting in the wagon waiting for our guest, Wes said, "Where's Andy". A moment went by and I was asked to go hurry him along. Upon reaching the front of the Corps, I observed Andy sitting with a man who was waiting for the bus. He was telling him about everyman s need for forgiveness and encouraging the very wet gentleman to accept Jesus as his Lord, the outside elements notwithstanding. Both were rain soaked. Miller told the man we would be happy to take him home and the man accepted the offer. All of the way he witnessed as only Andy Miller could do!
I can't tell you that the man found Christ that day but I can tell you of a young 19 year old who was deeply impressed and moved by this Salvation Army Major who never missed an opportunity to share Jesus. While my brother and I rushed passed this man and headed to the car, Andy saw the opportunity that God had presented him. Praise the Lord!
For me, this experience, more than any other, exemplified the life of Commissioner Andrew S. Miller. I have heard most of the stories, from his praying with Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office to his getting ill while traveling in a small plane with Arnold Brown. All great insights into the man. However, sharing Jesus is the Andy Miller I knew of and will always remember.
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