Ronny Keller Michel- From the Heart

My brother, Matt, occasionally stops by and his visits are always interesting. Our conversations generally revolve around our kids, sports, and the repairs that are needed on my house. As he was leaving my home recently, he turned to my daughter and said, “Lauren, always remember, you can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil.” Lauren and I just stared at him as he explained that he loves to read the messages on church signs and his parting advice to Lauren was the latest message that he had read.

Not long after, my Dad visited. As he was leaving, he advised Lauren, “You can’t be hateful when you’re grateful.” The remark seemed to come from nowhere as our conversation was about being neither hateful nor grateful, yet it was good advice. Lauren went to bed before anyone else could visit and I stopped long enough to count my blessings.

Often, when I think of all of the reasons that I have to be thankful, a portion of a poem by Jimmy Dean comes to mind. “So, Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I’ve hoed. I’m drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.”

Years ago, while speaking on gratitude, a guest on a talk show suggested that people sit down every night and write three things for which they are grateful. I began this exercise, but stopped after a few days. My regret over quitting has motivated me to start again. Today it’s easy.

I thank God that the cancerous tumor has been removed from my Dad’s colon and that he does not need chemotherapy. I’m grateful that Monique has moved back from college and all five of my children are once again under my roof. And I am blessed to have a brother who lives close enough to stop by to visit me and to counsel Lauren.

RONNY MICHEL’s column appears every Saturday.