Cardinal Rules

November 10, 2024  
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
OK, I did it!  I broke my own cardinal rule, the advice I give everyone.  What is that rule?  Always stay vertical! 
 
One of my cardio exercises is pickleball.  Over time I've come to look forward to daily play for my exercise.  Not that I'm an accomplished player, but I enjoy the competition and camaraderie with fellow players.  Through pickleball I have met a whole new cadre of friends that were not in my orbit before I picked up a paddle.  Each one now a precious friend. 
 
October 22, 2024, is a day that will live in infamy in my life.  It was the day I sustained my first broken bone after 75 long years.  As I was playing, I backed up to take a swing at the ball.  That's another cardinal rule of mine that I must have momentarily forgotten.  Never back up. Somehow, during the play, my feet got tangled up, and down I went, breaking my wrist and twisting my back.  Ouch!
 
So, what have I learned from this ordeal?  What kind of advice can I give to you because of all of this?  If you have cardinal rules to follow in your life for keeping you healthy, do not violate them!  One moment of neglect is a second in time you wish you could have back.  
 
Let me give you three cardinal rules of life for you to follow.  They are:

1.  Stay vertical;
2.  Never back up, I repeat--never back up; and
3.  When the elevator door opens, look to make sure there is a floor to step onto.

 
You may laugh at #3, but think about this.  When you die and expect the elevator to carry you to heaven, do you not expect there to be a floor to step on to?  If there is not, the fall only leads you to the abyss.  Jesus is that assurance to carry you to heaven!
 
Lovin’ Jesus, even though I’m boogered up a little,
Pastor Allan
 
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