The Ultimate Gift

There is a movie in the theaters that has a great message for men. The Ultimate Gift is based on the book by Jim Stovall, who is an amazing story himself. Jim Stovall is a blind man who has taken his limitations and turned them around as a path to success. He has become a national champion Olympic weightlifter, successful investment broker, entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker.

The Ultimate Gift is a story of Red Stevens (played by James Garner), a self made billionaire who has left a video will to his very greedy family upon his death. His long time friend and lawyer, Ted Hamilton is in charge of distributing his oil estate and other belongings. Steven’s greedy family leave angry, with no sense of grief or loss, because they do not get all that they want from the estate.

The most disrespectful of the lot is Red Steven's out of control grandson, Jason Stevens who does not seem to care whether he gets anything or not. He is content to live his decadent lifestyle and move on. However, Red Stevens leaves him the choice of fulfilling a list of requirements before he can get his gift. The requirements consist of 12 tasks, which his uncle refers to as gifts: the gift of work, of laughter, of family, of learning, of problems, et cetera. If at any time he fails to meet them to Ted Hamilton's expectations, he will not get anything at all.

In the process of completing the requirements, young Jason encounters many people who help him begin to realize what is truly important in life. In the process of helping people in many challenging circumstances, Jason is confronted with his own self-centered life.  Slowly he begins to see human beings as people of worth, not just objects blocking his way. In the end he gains a new perspective on what is really important. The ultimate gift is a valuable life lesson.

Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” What type of inheritance are you planning to give to your children and grandchildren? Hopefully it is more than material wealth. I challenge you to give them the example of a balanced life. A balanced life is one that illustrates for them the importance of balancing material wealth and possessions with the wealth of relationships with family and friends.

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg

A Day in the Life of President Lincoln

For years I have admired President Abraham Lincoln. After reading several biographies of his life, I have a collection of some of my favorite Lincoln stores. In this season of thanksgiving, I thought I would share one with you.

The American Civil War took a heavy toll on the emotional and physical health of President Lincoln. Besides the many meetings with his cabinet and the military regarding the logistics of funding and fighting the war, Lincoln was constantly barraged by people asking for special favors.

At this time in history, it was thought that the people should have unfettered access to their president. As a result, Lincoln’s days, and sometimes evenings, were filled with appointments with people who wanted things. There were businessmen asking for government contracts, politicians asking for political favors or appointments, and many friends or family members of soldiers who were asking for special dispensations. Incredibly patient with all, the President sat and listened to each plea, promising to do what he could to oblige them.

On one particularly busy day, the President sat down to visit with a woman who had requested an appointment. He began the conversation with his obligatory, “What do you need from me?” She responded, “I don’t need anything from you, Mr. President. I cannot imagine the pressures you are under and the hardships you are enduring. I thought I might try to bring you a little relief and cheer. I have brought you some fresh baked cookies and wanted to say thank you for all you are doing for our country.”

Dumbfounded for a moment, the President arose to say, “Dear woman, words cannot express my appreciation for your thoughtfulness. For months I have sat here each day to hear request after request. You are the first person I can remember who has come to give me something, rather than ask me for something. Thank you for your kindness.”

The scripture commands us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” Often we rush into the presence of God to ask for help or to meet a need, which He encourages us to do. How often do we come to Him just to say “thanks.” We teach and expect our children to say “thank you” when they receive a gift. Perhaps we should model a thankful heart for them as well.

Dear brother in Christ, in this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to lead your family to experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving. One of our family traditions as we sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner is to give each family member an opportunity to share what he or she is thankful for. As for me, I am thankful for so many things, including you and the privilege or serving as your pastor.

Shoulder to Shoulder,

Gregg