A few years ago a friend offered his cabin in the Georgia foothills of the Smoky Mountains to me for a short sabbatical. The timing seemed perfect since it had been a while since I had just dropped everything and left my familiar surroundings. As I was packing for the trip I grabbed a couple of books to read, but then it occurred to me that this would be a perfect opportunity to do something I had not done in years. I decided that this time I would not be distracted by anything, but rather dedicate this trip to one primary purpose, to meet with Jesus!
After arriving, I put my things away and walked out onto the back porch overlooking a beautiful mountain stream. Large rocking chairs were positioned side by side and I sat in one thinking that the other would be reserved for Jesus. I rocked back and forth and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the sound of the stream flowing over the rocks. From time to time I glanced over to the corner almost expecting the Lord to walk up at any moment. After maybe thirty minutes had passed, I decided that I had been stood up. OK, I get it! Moses I’m not! He went up on Mount Sinai and waited for six days before the Lord began to speak to him. (Exodus 24:16)
It was then that I decided that I could not waste this opportunity to accomplish something worthwhile. I went into the cabin, opened up my laptop and started typing. What began as a letter to each of my two grandchildren, quickly got out of hand. Before long, I was typing at the top of the page, “Chapter 3.” four days later, I had completed the manuscript for my book, A Word from Pop / What I Want Them to Know Before I Go. ( A Word from Pop )
I had always wanted to sit with each of them and share my own life lessons hoping that these conversations would enable them to make better choices. I had done some of that with them in the past, but felt that they needed something more tangible. I wanted them to have a book written to them by their Pop. Well, as it turned out they have both read it from time to time, but then so have others. I chose to publish it and have traveled around speaking about it in Christian conferences as well as signing copies that were purchased.
Jesus stood me up that day in the mountains, but I believe that He sent the Holy Spirit to inspire the words written in that little book. Our God was faithful to Moses on the mount, and He was faithful to Pop in the mountains, even though I had very little patience in the matter. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us, The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.