I have a zit on the tip of my nose. I am a combination of me, W.C. Fields, Jimmy Durante and Karl Malden. When I was thirteen and this happened I would be mortified thinking all of my classmates were staring at it. Now I don’t think it really matters that much except for trying not to keep touching it. If someone does notice, so what. I think most of us lose our sense of vanity after our chin doubles, dark bags grow under our eyes and age spots show up on top of the saggy cheeks. So what’s a zit but just another blotch?
When we were thirteen we were the center of the universe. Now I am just grateful to be part of the universe. I realize the center is far, far away and people have much to think about other than me. It’s a good place to be in life. It was so difficult being the protagonist. I now realize center stage belongs to the One who really is the protagonist. Jesus is the center of the universe. He made it and He keeps it operating. It is not a clock all wound up. It takes attention. Paul wrote in Colossians 1, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
Please don’t fail to notice the last phrase. Things consist because He exists. We live and breathe because of His attentive care. After all do you really think Satan wants us around telling people how wonderful Jesus is?
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 5, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org