Contentment

Scripture

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances

~Philippians 4:11, NIV

Quote

Others may do a greater work, but you have your part to do; and no one is all of God’s creation can do it as well as you.

~Source Unknown

In a stage production, there are many parts and players. There are actors, performers, musicians, directors, sound and media personnel, but there are also stage hands who change the props. In the old days they needed someone to draw the curtain. Every drama has a hero or heroine and an antagonist. We can’t all be the star of the show but that doesn’t mean we are not important. I read a fascinating little parable in STREAMS IN THE DESERT this morning.

A certain king was walking in his garden; to his dismay, all the plants were dying. He asks the oak tree what was wrong. The oak complained, “I want to be tall like the cedar and stay green year around.” But the cedar was also dying: what’s wrong asked the king? The cedar said, “I want to bear fruit like the vine.” When the king looked to the vine, it was also in a state of decline: “What’s wrong with you said the king?” “I want to be straight and tall, not twisted and gnarled,” said the vine. The geranium was fretting because it did not bear the fragrance of a lilac. Every plant in his garden was dying except one little pansy. The king said to this little flower, “I’m glad to find one plant prospering, why are you so happy when the others are so unhappy?” The little pansy said, “I am not big like an oak, not tall like a cedar, I do not bear fruit like the vine and I do not have the fragrance of the lilac but you planted me here for your pleasure and I am determined to be the best little flower I can be.”

I am aware that the word ‘pansy’ has taken on a new meaning since Streams in the Desert was written but you get the drift. I entered the ministry over 50 years ago determined to be great and I thought that hard work was the key to accomplishing my goals but that is not how it works: a small flower is not an oak. It will never be an oak. I was probably forty plus before I realized that I was cut out to be a country {small church} preacher and I make no apologies. Would I have traded places with an oak in my early days? Yes, in a heartbeat because that was what I thought I wanted. At present, I would not even be tempted. I am the small flower, the stage hand, the guy that moves the props but I am happy as a lark. I don’t want to be the star; I don’t want the leading role–there are too many lines to remember. I am content to pull the curtain or sweep the floor of the stage.

TGIT–Thank God it is Thursday. Lori said to me a couple of times this week, “Granddaddy, I bet you are looking forward to Thursday.” She was right! I came to my office today with no agenda and I love it. I can read all day if I want to! I love people and I do not have the ability to say no when they call on me but I do love my QT and I have been in a constant state of hurry since getting back from the mountains. I do want to thank all my prayer partners for praying me through this marathon week. How did Peter survive his ordeal? Remember how he failed Jesus in the garden and at Jesus arrest; how he denied even knowing Jesus. Peter survived because he had a prayer intercessor…“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”This is why Paul said in Romans 8, Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and HE is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Just got off the phone with Linda Glenn, Ralph was promoted this morning at 3:30. I was shocked. I thought Ralph was going to make it. Linda said he was getting better but took a sudden turn for the worst. She didn’t know if it was heart related or not but she got to talk to him before he took his flight. Our prayers go out to Linda and her children.

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