Good morning and happy Friday. Yeah, I know, I am a day early with my Ramblings. However, I am leaving in a while to go to Branson with some friends to see the show, Esther. If it helps, don’t read any further until Saturday morning.
By now, most of you have heard that Jimmy Buffett died a few weeks back. If you have ever spent time near a beach or tourist area, you have likely heard his famous song, “Margaritaville.” What is amazing is that he parlayed that song into a very sizeable business with clothing, restaurants, bars and even casinos. It is reported that he was worth $ 1 billion dollars when he died. Pretty good for sitting on a porch swing stumming his six-string.
Most people sing along with the song possibly not recognizing the progression that takes place. Usually, people are more focused on the line, “wasting away in Margaritaville.” It is interesting, with each chorus he sings about his situation, “some people say there’s a woman to blame.” By the way, mankind started that back in Genesis. After the fall in the Garden, when confronted by God Himself about their sin, Adam said, “The woman you gave to be with me – she gave me from the tree and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12) Since that time, mankind has often wanted to blame other people and not own up to the sin in their lives or admit that maybe they are they one that has messed up their own life. The Bible teaches us throughout its pages that we need to admit when we have done something wrong. It is strangely ironic that in his famous drinking song, Buffet leads us in that direction. Is the woman to blame? He concludes the first chorus by saying it’s nobody’s fault. Maybe it was bad luck, happenstance, or whatever. A lot of people actually think that way. If it’s nobody’s fault than they can’t be to blame. By the end of the second chorus he sings, “it could be my fault.” For all of us, that is a step in the right direction. At least considering if we had a role in the problems we are dealing with or the bad situation we find ourselves in. Then, by the end of the 3rd chorus, he realizes that it is his fault. He repeats that in the 4th chorus as well. Who knew one of the most iconic party songs could actually teach us something worthwhile? I guess a lesson we could learn is not to sitting around wasting away our life blaming everyone else including God for all of our problems. Maybe, just maybe, we should do some self-evaluation to consider if perhaps we are to blame for some of the hard times and difficulties we go through.
Something to think about. Also, watch out if you are wearing flip flops, there are a lot of pop tops out there to step on.
7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:7-9)
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
13 Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me.
Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:12-14)
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