Digging Out of a Mess

On Christmas Eve, a couple of weeks ago, blizzard like conditions hit in Oklahoma. I was enjoying a night at my mom and dad's for the holiday, and decided it best to wait out the storm at their house. Two days later after digging 4 vehicles out that were stuck in a 3+ feet snow drift; I finally made it back home. Life had thrown us all a proverbial "curve ball".

Isn't that the way life is sometimes? So how are we to react in such situations? Do we get mad at the people who were "too ignorant" to know how to avoid getting stuck, and are now blocking the way for everyone else? Do we sit back and say "you made your mess, so clean it up yourself"? This is closely related to the often used favorite “you made your bed..." Do you brag about how your 4X4 truck would never have had such a problem? Or do you see a person in trouble, which has made a mistake, who has gotten in over their head, which does not have the ability that you have, and help them dig out of the mess they are in?

I know that helping others dig out of a mess can be difficult. There you are with a shovel in hand, snow and ice all around, the wind freezing your face, digging out one person after another. The next thing you know you are slipping around and about to fall yourself. Yet, after time working together everyone is free again, and you have just been blessed with an opportunity to show the love of God to your neighbor.

Are you glad that God didn't say to us, "you made your mess, now dig out of it yourself"? Are you glad that Jesus didn't say "I never would have fallen into that snare of the devil, what is your problem?" Are you glad that instead Jesus came to seek and save the lost? Are you glad God sent his Son to heal the sick and set the captive free? How are you going to respond the next time you have the opportunity to help someone dig out of a mess?

Harvesting in a Frozen Garden Spot

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful."

As I write this, our local weather in Bixby is about to turn frightful. The weathermen are saying our temperatures will soon plummet into the sub-zero range. With a gusty wind expected, wind chill factors may reach toward (-40). We are being warned that such temperatures can cause frostbite in a matter of 10 minutes to uncovered skin. There is no doubt a warm fireplace will be a beautiful sight for many during the next few days. Warm meals, such as chili & soup, will be filling bellies all around. Hot drinks, such as coffee, cocoa, and cider, are sure to be favorites. Isn't it true that we often are able to have great delight in times that would seem to bring fright?

Imagine though if you were without shelter. Imagine being homeless and improperly clothed, without a warm meal or drink to fill your belly. Imagine the feeling of the cold coming upon you, and taking your last breaths away. How special would an act of kindness toward you be during such a frightful time?

At the end of Acts 27 Paul, as a prisoner being transported to Rome, suffers shipwreck and swims for his life. After all who were on the ship make it safely to the island of Malta we read, "The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold" Acts 28:2 (ESV). This kindness was unusual. It was extraordinary.

Whether people are physically suffering from the cold, or whether they are suffering from living in a spiritually cold world, shouldn't we open our eyes to the opportunities presented for us to show unusual and extraordinary kindness to people in frightful conditions? Shouldn't we kindle the fire of Jesus Christ that is so delightful? Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Mt. 22:39). Here it seems we can follow the lead of the natives of Malta.

Will you find opportunities to Harvest in a Frozen Garden Spot?