My Friend Cathy
In the Nook…From my friend Tom in Texas
Lately I’ve found myself in several situations, problems actually, trying to figure out what’s wrong, and fixing it. The biggest problem has been me, not coming up with a correct diagnosis as to the cause of any given problem. I’ve learned in the past that when certain things in life tend to repeat with regularity, I’m supposed to be learning a “lesson of life”. I’ve concluded that what’s happening is, I’m still jumping to conclusions without all the facts and/or not taking the time required to analyze the “known”, which most of the time will give away the reason for the trouble in the first place. I think it may have finally hit home this week, and it only took fifty plus years to learn the lesson. Now, if I can only remember to apply what I’ve learned here in the next situation…
Pity the poor husband who said to his wife, “Honey, you stick to the washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning. No wife of mine is gonna work!” …Then there was the young couple, going through their monthly bills, down to the last two. “Well, honey,” sighed the husband, “we’re practically broke now. I don’t know whether we should pay the electric company or the doctor.” “Why, the electric company, of course”, replied the wife promptly. “After all, the doctor can’t shut off our blood!” …Did you hear about the man filling out a work application in a factory? He was perplexed at one question: “Person to notify in case of accident”. His decision: “Anybody in site!”
[James 3] A church was in need of a preacher. One of the elders was interested in finding out just what kind of preacher the church wanted. In order to do this he composed a letter as though it had been received from an applicant and read it to the men at a meeting. It began, “Gentlemen: Understanding that you need a new preacher, I would like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications that I think you would appreciate. I have been blessed to preach with power and have had some success as a writer. Some say that I’m a good organizer and I have been a leader in most places I have worked. Some folks however, have some things against me. I am over fifty years of age. I have never preached in one place more than three years at a time. In some I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances. I have to admit I’ve been in jail three or four times, but not because of any wrongdoing. My health is not too good, though I still get a great deal done. I have had to work at my trade to help pay my way. The churches that I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I have not gotten along with the religious leaders in different towns where I have preached, and I am sure that they will not recommend me. In fact, some of them have threatened me, taken me to court, and even attacked me physically. I’m not too good at keeping records. I’ve been known even to forget whom I’ve baptized. However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you, even if I have to work to help with my support.” The elder asked the men if they might be interested in this applicant. They replied that he would never do for their church. They were not interested in any unhealthy, trouble-making, contentious, ex-jailbird and were insulted that this applicant had ever been presented! Then one of the men asked the preachers name. The elder replied, “The Apostle Paul.” Lack of wisdom allows us to overlook the obvious and draw conclusions based on earthly feelings. I asked for wisdom, and the lessons began. [James 1: 5]
Have a blessed Sunday~