12/20/05

      I recently ran across the following story.  “A devoted father was teaching his young son how to operate the lawn mower.  The safety-conscious dad walked by his son’s side, reiterating procedures and precautions.  Suddenly, the mother called to her husband from the back door.  He stopped, turned, and answered her.  Meanwhile, the mower got away from the boy, cutting a swath two feet wide through a beautiful flower bed.  As the father was chewing out his son, the mother called again.  This time she said, ‘Remember John, we are raising children, not flowers.’”

     During the hectic days before Christmas, it is easy to lose our focus, to forget what we are doing, and become upset for the wrong reasons.  This is especially true when it seems that our “to-do list” will never be finished, and our energy is waning.  Perhaps one of the great stresses toward the end of the year is the belief that we must be busy, but appear relaxed.  Our desire to hurry and to make everything “perfect” can eclipse the true meaning of these days.

     The call of Jesus to all disciples is to know God.  As we come to know God and God’s desire for our lives, it is easier to keep our perspective.  Disciples have some specific tasks in the world.  We are to spread the good news, to invite others into the work of God’s kingdom, to baptize and receive them into the church, and to let God’s Spirit guide us in daily living.  We generally respond to God in positive ways and rejoice in the blessings that come from being faithful servants.  There are times, however, when we get distracted, forget our purpose, and let other thoughts take root in our minds.  When that happens we tend to become upset with someone else, rather than recognizing that the source of discomfort originates within ourselves.

     May we keep our focus upon Jesus and the calling to be a servant in the kingdom of God.  The key to peace in your life and joy in serving God, is living by the master’s teachings.  God is raising people, and we are the people of God. 

Grace and Peace,

Richard

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