Mike Henderson

Drinking Adds Up

Let me start off with a disclaimer.  I don't drink.  I am pretty much a water and coffee only type of guy. And I try and not go overboard on coffee.  

One reason water has become my primary beverage is Michael Jordan.  Back in the day when he left baseball to make his return to basketball his only drink was water.  He felt that was the best way for him to play at an optimum level.  I was hooked. Plus water is free.

Carol and I have now been on four cruises and without fail on the last day you can hear people talk about their final bill and the alcohol charges.  For some reason wherever you go on the ship during the cruise people have a drink in their hand.  Not really sure why that is.  I drink about 8-10 glasses of water a day, but I did not walk around the ship with a drink in hand.

You get the idea.  It's vacation time so people lose track of time and their drinking. (For me it was desserts, but they were free).  And the alcohol adds up, big time.

Then on the last day reality sets in.  I think we all allow things to add up in life without giving it much thought until it's too late.  Take some time to reflect.  What's adding up in your life right now?  

Something Missing

Recently I was out of town and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.  I tend to like that particular chain.  The price is economical, their breakfast contains the necessary fiber, protein, and the popular cinnamon bun.

One problem.  There were no cinnamon buns.  What's up with that?  Now I am sure not everyone missed what was missing, but don't you hate it when you go somewhere and expect something and it's not there?

When I think of New Hope, I try to process things thru the same grid.  People come expecting some things and if what they are looking for they will be disappointed.  

Now obviously we can't provide everything.  For instance, we do not observe the Lord's Supper every week. For some that would be missing a crucial element.

While you could go crazy trying to 'have everything' someone could expect, we have simplified it a little.

Every week we do not want to be missing a welcoming atmosphere, heartfelt worship, or an encouraging message.  Also, we want the kids to have fun and learn something from the Bible.  Those are the things we don't want to have missing.

We could also include things like excellence, harmony, and order.  I mention things like that because if you were to go to Lowe's you may not think going in 'I hope to get help in an orderly fashion,' but if it is missing you will notice.

One of our goals every week is to not miss anything.