"Just Thinking"

When I was in high school we had a young man from Ramallah Palestine live with us and attend school. He was placed in a grade level too high and his understanding of English was rough. Still he worked very hard to learn. One of his frequent phrases was, "just thinking." Whenever he was quiet for awhile he would respond with "just thinking."

I can't even imagine all that was going through his head as he struggled to use a new language, learn a new culture, adjust to being away from his family, and live in a new country. We also introduced him to Christianity as he attended church and youth group with me. He was like a sponge, absorbing everything around him.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things," (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

Ali and I remain "brother" and "sister" even after all these years. He finished high school out east with a relative and went on to college. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated from there. He has a successful office in Buffalo, New York, where he is now semi-retired.

Dear Lord, as we begin a new day and a new week, guide our thoughts to what is good, as suggested by Paul. Thank You for all good things You have given us. We thank You especially for the life of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.