Highs, Lows, and Buffalos!

Over the past few weeks Kim and I got to spend quite a bit of time with our three grandsons, Jesse, Jack, and Caleb. As we did, we learned one of the dinner routines they often do as a family in order to create conversation around the dinner table, as well as keep the kids engaged during that time (after all, like most kids they hate sitting at the table for too long).  Their routine is called, “Highs, Lows, and Buffalos.” 

One by one each family member first shares a “high”—that is, something from their day that was especially good or that they really enjoyed. Then they each share a “low”—i.e., something they had to do or that took place that they didn’t like at all. Then they share a “buffalo.” I’m not sure why it’s called a “buffalo,” but a “buffalo” is some sort of surprise that they experienced that day. (I guess if they came across a buffalo that would be quite a surprise!) So, during our time together with them, we would periodically all share our “highs, lows, and buffalos” as we sat around the dinner table. 

If you think about it, just about every day includes some “highs, lows, and buffalos.” Every day there is something good that stands out—e.g., meeting up with a friend, getting a card in the mail, spending time with family, going on a walk, seeing a beautiful sunset, etc.. And unfortunately, every day usually includes at least one low—the friend that forgot your lunch appointment, the bad news from the doctor, the conflict that took place at work, the cake that burned in the oven, etc. And just about every day includes a few surprises—i.e., those things we would have never expected to come our way, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. 

Of course, we wish that life would be filled only with the “highs” and good surprises. Life would seem so much easier and be so much more enjoyable if we didn’t have to deal with the “lows” of life. But there’s no way to escape the lows. So, what ought we do?  I believe the best we can do is remind ourselves of what the Bible tells us to do: 

“Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18—NIV, emphasis mine)  

We can and ought to rejoice, pray, and give thanks to God in the midst of every situation of life,  for we believe that he is always good and faithful to his people. He is a God who is always with us. And he is always at work in our lives to bring about his good purposes for our lives, most especially our eternal salvation. 

As the Apostle Paul wrote, “…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 – NIV) 

I want to encourage you to realize that, as you go through the “highs, lows, and buffalos” of your life today God is at work in your life. He is with you blessing you, watching over you, and ready to work in and through every situation you might face. Thus, you can face today filled with faith, courage, and joy. 

Have a great day as you experience your “highs, lows, and buffalos!” 

- Pastor Tim Harris