Thinking About My Grandfather

Papa Pryor loved to play checkers.  He would take on all challengers, never denying one of his grandchildren the experience of losing a game of checkers.  His favorite comment as you pondered your next move, “Study long, study wrong”. He advised all his opponents, young and old, to trust your best judgment and make your move.  As a young child, it seemed defeat was always inevitable. While I never won playing against my grandfather, I always treasured his presence and wisdom.

 

Beginning in February, I am reading two books that remind me of the great power residing in our minds and hearts.  “Blink”, authored by Malcolm Gladwell, describes the “power of thinking without thinking”.  Some choices that seem to be made in an instance can be good choices or good decisions without the benefit of exhaustive examination of information over an extended period of time.  Gladwell is also the author of the best seller, “The Tipping Point”,a book that examines how small things can make a big difference.

 

Daryn Kagan’s book, “What’s Possible!; 50 True Stories of People Who Dared to Dream They Could Make a Difference”, is a wonderful collection of stories of individuals who dared to believe they could change their lives and in some cases change the world. Kagan, a former CNN anchor, has taken as her mission promoting her firm belief that we live in a world where just about anything is possible.  Everyday someplace in the world people are overcoming obstacles, rising above their handicapping conditions, working their way through grief.  At this very moment, somebody is pursuing a dream that will result in the blessing of thousands.

 

As United Methodist, we have a long heritage of giving birth to hospitals, colleges, agencies and missions that bring healing and hope in communities all over the world. It is in our spiritual DNA to dream big and trust God as we passionately participate in the task of transforming the world to reflect a beloved community.  Don’t let the headlines of today or tomorrow stifle your passion or halt your creativity.  For Christians, the Christmas and Easter narratives remind us that God majors in the impossible. There is no better time than this moment in history to pursue with passion every opportunity to make a positive difference. I can hear my grandfather saying, “Julius Calvin make your move”.

 

By: Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble On 2/13/2009

Topics: Encouragement