The Watering Hole: September 2013

Welcome to my Watering Hole

Years ago, I heard a man say, “You will be the same in five years’ time as you are today, except for two things—the people you meet and the books you read.” When I look back over the past 32 years of following Jesus, I would have to say that I agree. If not for the people who have come into my life and the books I have read over the years, my life would have changed very little.

The first book that I read was the Bible. I picked it up, after making a decision to follow Jesus, and to this day I have been unable to put it down. The second book I read was called Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey. I think we all struggle to find ways to understand what God is trying to tell us. For me, one of the most effective ways is through what I read. Over time I have kept a journal of quotations that have had an impact on me. Often I reflect on something I recorded years ago and see that in some areas of my life I have grown and in others there is still much work to do. Sometimes I have been motivated, encouraged and inspired by what I read, sometimes frightened and overwhelmed, but never, never discouraged or without hope.

In my conversations with men, more often than not, other than the odd newspaper or magazine, many read very little if at all. My suggestions is, before you read on, take time out to pray, ask yourself and God what are the challenges at this time in your life and then read, expecting the Holy Spirit to bring alive what is relevant to you. Don’t read for reading’s sake. See it as a watering hole where your thirst for life’s answers can be quenched. As time goes by, I will add to the site. I want it to be living.

In conclusion, I have to say that there are many things I don’t know. One thing I do know is that God would want me to share with you what He has shared with me. I pray that He will bring alive these writings and burn them in your heart. I wish you well. Life is very demanding for many, and at times it seems that society is demanding more than we’re able to give. But don’t give up. To borrow the title of Wayne Bennett’s autobiography, Don’t Die with the Music in You. That would be a tragedy.

In His name,

Grahame

Monday, September 30, 2013

I really like what Stephen Arterburn said about young men receiving acceptance from their parents. When I recorded this in my journal, my children were still quite young. Now I find myself echoing his words that “I am now counsellor and friend”. Here’s what he has to say:

Young men grow up hearing mostly conditional acceptance from their parents. If acceptance or affirmation is expressed at all, it is usually in connection with some accomplishment: academics, athletics, scouting, civic work. Achievements in those areas are definitely commendable. But if a young man only hears affirmation when he performs, he leaves home “trained” to perform in order to continue hearing the words of acceptance he so desperately needs to conclude that he is “okay”.

When a young man is blessed by his father, he is released to become his own man. The father says, “My days of training and influence are complete. I am always here to help you should you need something I can provide. But I am now stepping down from my position over you to assume a position beside you. Instead of your teacher and corrector, I am now counsellor and friend. I believe you are well prepared to achieve everything that is your heart’s desire. You have my blessings not because of what I believe you will accomplish, but because of who I know you are. My only dream and expectation is that you will fulfil all your own dreams, in your own way, according to your own timetable.”

–Stephen Arterburn, The Secrets Men Keep