Discipline is the key to living a successful life. I suppose my working definition is doing the right thing in spite of feeling like doing what you want…then after a while it becomes normal, natural and feels right. For me, going to church is a discipline. When Sunday comes, I am in church…period. Two weeks ago, I was in China and I was in church. This past week I was on vacation, and when Sunday rolled around, I was in a local church. I can’t skip! If I even entertain not going, then everything in me rises to the top to attack my laziness. Something always, always happens when you go to church. There is an encounter with almighty God and when that occurs your life is altered to right living.
This past Sunday at Jekyll Island Baptist Chapel, there were 75 folks, mostly blue haired and well into retirement. Ten past the worship hour, trudging down the middle aisle (really the only aisle), came Buddy. Buddy was bent over, having a difficult time putting one foot in front of the other, and he finally made it to the 2nd row while the rest of us were singing some ’80′s praise song. The pastor transitioned to the announcements and like most small Baptist communities, he recognized the upcoming birthdays. Buddy’s birthday is in late August. Pastor Bill asked rather loudly, “Buddy, how old will you be?” And Buddy said, “96″. 
I kept my eye on Buddy the rest of the service. As the soloist got up to sing an old hymn, I watched Buddy mouth every single word. When the pastor got up to preach, Buddy followed him in his Bible and listened intently. Then when the offering plate was passed, Buddy didn’t just drop in some money, no, he had an envelope prepared, I couldn’t see clearly what was written on the outside (it was none of my business), but Buddy had decided before he got there how much he would give. Perhaps I will never see Buddy again on this planet…but one day…one day I will see him on the other side.
Buddy, even at almost 96 lives a disciplined life.
