Mine and Then Some

I have to confess that I am terminally male.  I say this because this post is going to have a male bias and I want any readers of the female persuasion to understand that this post applies to women as well.  Please keep this disclaimer in mind as you proceed.

I have noticed more and more that people seem less able to take care of their own... well, stuff.  I'm not sure the right word to encompass all I am thinking of here.  What I mean to say is that people seem less capable of dealing with their own families, lives, business and stuff.  You have heard the complaints about how hard life is, how the bills are overwhelming, how stressful work is, and how difficult relationships and marriage can be.  Fundamentally I can't disagree with these statements... life is tough.  However, at what point do we just man up and deal with it?  Life is tough.  Sometimes life is really tough and we lose loved ones, struggle with cancer, get laid off etc.  Certainly these catastrophes can be overwhelming.  But, I am noticing more of an inability to deal with every day life events.

What's my point?  Well, I have been thinking more and more lately about those men who choose to take care of their own, and then a few more.  This means that they take care of their business, families, relationships, etc. and then give to others.  These are the men that lead in our churches, coach teams, serve on boards, and help neighbors on the weekend.

So, here is my commitment.  I want to take care of mine, and then some.  Consider skimming through your Bible and see if you can find a similar concept in scripture.  If so, post it here for all to see.  Thanks.

This Little Light of Mine

I love to hear my kids sing. Moreover, I am moved when I hear them sing praises. Every morning this week we have belted out old school Newsboys on the way to school. To hear my youngest sing He Reigns as loud as she can is nothing short of glorious. Today, I thought of a simpler song. In the midst dealing with someone's emotional melt down I recited This Little Light of Mine. No hand motions, no chorus of singers- just simple lyrics for me to meditate on while helping someone else through their own, personal hell.

Now that I have some time and peace to process I am reminded that lights are only used in the darkness. Don't see too many people shining flashlights at noon on sunny days do you? Light is most valuable in the midst of darkness. Some lives have been left to the darkness.

My daughter asked me what I do now. She understood the role of minister, but the therapist thing eludes her comprehension. I told her that I worked with people who had been abused. She asked me what abuse was. I stopped in that moment to thank God that my daughter had no concept of abuse. Too many kids know far too well what abuse is.

Christians spend too much time in the suburbs. Orderly lives in sheltered places. Light that remains in well-lit places. When we are told to let our light shine we should assume that we are called to illuminate the darkness. So, this little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine.

The Life of a Dreamer- Application

I think it is time to wrap up this series on Joseph.  However, I cannot end this series without the most vital component which is application.  Many, many people regard the Bible as a dusting, boring old book with little relevance.  People who say this have missed the application part.  It might be that Sunday school teachers or ministers taught and preached and presented memory verses and missed the big question, "WHY?" 

My life has taken several turns lately.  Some by choice and some not.  One turn is coming to the end of my degree and starting my practicum and internship requirements.  I had searched for over a year for a practicum site.  It seemed that every good possibility fell through for some reason.  It was distressing.  BUT, I can tell you that without the story of Joseph, and the reminder that God is sovereign over the big picture, I would have been much more discouraged. 

Another turn was leaving a career in ministry work.  Changes in career are tough and there were many tough choices to make.  I relied on the wisdom of scripture and the reminder to always take the high road in life. 

Finally, Amanda and I have begun to attend a new church. Getting to know a lot of new people is a challenge.  However, the transition to being known and respected by a congregation to not being known means that people do not know what we bring to the table.  It can be frustrating starting again from scratch.  I consider the many times Joseph was knocked back to square one.  How he responded when he went from slave to prisoner.  He stayed faithful, diligently did his work, and took every opportunity God gave him.  Glory to God because he has given me opportunities.  He provided me with an internship at the last minute.  He blessed Amanda with opportunities to increase income and meet our needs.  He will bless us as we seek to minister in a new church.  Glory to God for he was at work in Joseph's life, He is at work in my life, and He is at work in yours. 

The Life of a Dreamer- Taking the High Road

I have heard it referred to as taking the high road or being the bigger person.  Basically it means acting more ethically than others would in a similar situation.  When someone cuts you off on the highway do you tailgate them or do you take the high road and just let them merge?

Joseph had a tremendous opportunity for revenge upon his brothers.   After they plotted his murder and then sold him into slavery they end up bowing before him in great need.  While it is not stated in the text, I do believe Joseph is tempted to exact some revenge.  Considering the power and influence Joseph has he could have easily gotten even.  He certainly takes the high road in this instance.  Eventually Joseph reveals his true identity and a touching family reunion ensues.  Joseph brings his family to Egypt, provides them with a nice place to live, and saves the nation of Israel from famine. 

What would the world be like if we all chose to be the bigger person?  What if there was more grace and less vengeance?  Jesus often said that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (or near).  This is true.  Whenever an individual chooses to “take the high road” the kingdom of heaven breaks into the world.  Commit yourself to making the more ethical or moral decisions regardless of choices of those around you.