May the mumbling commence!
Sometimes, as I read the Scriptures, I am reminded about
a specific time in my life. That was the
case this morning. I found myself
thinking of my Grandma Christian.
Because I was the youngest of my parents’ children and
my father was the youngest in his family, the only time I remember about my
Grandma Christian was when she was in a nursing home. She was never very happy, and she wondered
why the staff would not just let her die.
Her will to continue living was gone.
Visiting my Grandma Christian was never a happy occasion,
and I do not remember the visits with fondness.
It is hard for me to understand even now as an adult. It was impossible for me to understand then
as a child.
These thoughts were going through my mind as I read this
passage from Job chapter seven (in the words of Job):
“I
would rather die of strangulation
than go on and on like this.
I hate my life. I do not want to go on living.
Oh, leave me alone for these few remaining
days.
What are mere mortals, that you should make
so much of us?
For you examine us every morning and test
us every moment.
Why won't you leave me alone—
even for a moment?
Have I sinned? What have I done to you, O
watcher of all humanity?
Why have you made me your target? Am I a burden to you?
Why not just pardon my sin and take away my
guilt?
For soon I will lie down in the dust and die.
When you look for me, I will be gone." (Verses 15-21)
I’d rather die of strangulation than go on living. I hate my life. Those are some raw words. Sooner or later in our lives, these words
will ring true. In the heat of the
moment, they will ring true.
Tell God. The
Lord can take it. And it will help you
process your own feelings… so that you will not be lying to yourself. Do it in the company of friends as Job
did. May your friends listen to you, may
they be present to you in your agony.
Misery loves company indeed.
With it out of our system, maybe we can move on and
follow through with our lives and commitments.
Read from Second Corinthians chapter eight:
I suggest that you finish what you started a year ago, for you were the first to
propose this idea, and you were the first to begin doing something about
it. Now you should carry this project through to completion just as enthusiastically as
you began it. Give whatever you can according to what you have. If you are really eager to give, it isn't
important how much you are able to give. God
wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have. Of course, I don't mean you should give so
much that you suffer from having too little. I only mean that there should
be some equality. (Verses 10-13)
May the enthusiasm of your life continue throughout your
days. Give what you have. Do not worry about what you do not have to
give. Give with an idea of equality in
mind. Give of yourself generously.
Do so, and you will find that life will
always have a rich meaning for you. You
are on the path to God’s Kingdom.
Celebrate that!
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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