©2001 Datha Darby

1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Growing up in a large family, the oldest of 7, we were what are considered poor folks. We never had to go without, but we always had barely enough.  We sure knew what “hand-me-downs” and “pass-a- rounds" were!

I always longed to be part of that "Special Crowd” the ones who seem to have it all.  I guess we all go through that sometime in our life.  My parents always told me "keep your chin up."   Later in my life I found out some things about that "Special Crowd" that made me glad I had someone who loved me enough to try to keep me in line.   Of course, my "great wisdom" came after many years of trial and error. :o)
They might not have known all the right words to say, but they instilled in me some values that I could live by.

After I came to know the Lord as my personal Saviour I was actually in that "Special Crowd."  Although many times we fail to do everything just as we should, he is always there to love and forgive us our trespasses, no matter how insignificant. When I became a Christian there was someone to love me even more.

One day as I was traveling on interstate highway I was going along at the speed limit and enjoying the ride and my thoughts.  All of a sudden, I was aware that all the other cars were passing me.  Wow!  I pushed that gas pedal and here I went.  Just a few car links ahead, I suddenly had the spirit speak to me and reminded me that "is this what you want" to "keep up with everyone else?"  It seemed as though I had "tunnel vision” for a few seconds.  I could see myself trying to keep up with the crowd again.  I realized that was not what I wanted and immediately went back to the speed limit.

In the world, there is always another way to go and not follow Jesus.  We make choices every minute of the day.  It is up to us to make the right choice and serve the Lord with gladness.  We sometimes hear the minister say, "are you looking for Jesus?"  The word tells us he is coming soon.  We have to remember that he may call our name before he comes back.  I want to be ready.  If you think you have to be old to die, just take a walk through any cemetery and read the markers.  We have a 16-year-old daughter in one here in Georgia.  We didn't expect it, but she left home one day to visit a nursing home with friends and never returned. I remember a song we heard many years ago,  "I Thought I Had Plenty of Time." There is no time like the present; tomorrow may be too late.

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