Christians Are Like Tea Bags

This quote has been on my mind for the last week or so . . . "Christians are like tea bags . . . the only way to find out what is inside is to drop them into hot water."

The current form of "hot water" that I find myself in is pretty minor compared to that which others experience. My "hot water" time, in fact, will be over in a couple of weeks and I will have recovered from my injuries. Many people stay in their hot water a lot longer and I suspect for some they would even say that their water is hotter than mine . . . I wouldn't be able to disagree.

Regardless, I find myself reflecting on what is being found in my tea bag . . . discovering what is inside. Today my suspicion is that my wife would be the better reporter on what has been found within this feeble tea bag. She has had the task of putting up with me 24/7 . . . having me around the house all day long . . . needed to chauffer me to my doctor appointments . . . carrying things for me that I can't carry . . . cooking for me . . . the list of "for me" stuff goes on and on.

Fortunately for me, she hasn't checked into the blog to report on what she has found in this old tea bag. She can compare notes with me Sunday when I preach on the theme "Lessons Learned In The Wilderness". I may let some of my findings leak out for public consumption . . .

Impatient Patient

I’ve never experienced anything like this.

Recovery from the broken rib and broken pelvis that resulted from that bicycle accident two weeks ago is taking a long time. Of course, for me, anything longer than say 10 to 15 minutes is a long time. I was ready to get up, get out, and get going from day one . . . except of course for the slight problem of not being able to support any weight on my left leg . . .

Those who know me well have sent encouraging notes and emails . . . many have included words along the line of “I bet you’re not an easy person to keep down” . . . or, “you best listen to your doctor and your wife” . . . or, “just be patient”.

That last request borders on the ludicrous for me . . . if you really knew me you’d know that patience in definitely not by strong suit . . .

And then is struck me, maybe that’s one of the lessons to be learned from this soon-to-be-month-long period of recovery. I’m supposed to learn about patience . . . about the value of slowing down . . . about how to use quiet, alone time to best advantage.

James said it best in his New Testament book when he wrote “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (emphasis added; James 1:2-4)

Slowing down and smelling the roses has never struck me as being much fun; however, slowing down and reading several good books just might help make this time of learning patience go by a bit easier . . .

Broader Shoulders VS Lighter Load

It's been almost a week since my bicycle accident.

A good friend and riding buddy avoided being hit by a car by riding into me. He didn't fare well . . . lacerations where his face kissed the asphalt and two chipped teeth. He says I got the worst of it . . . cracked pelvis and one cracked rib. Not my idea for a morning bike ride.

After three days in the hospital, I returned home with a walker and instructions to stay off my feet for four to six weeks. Now there is tough command to obey.

Thinking about the challenge of these circumstances and the pressures they bring into my life as I carry them, reminded me of wise words I heard almost 35 years ago from a mentor of mine. I was complaining about the heavy load I was carrying while trying to attend seminary full time and also involved full time in ministry at the church.

His words were these: "consider asking the Lord for broader shoulders rather than asking for a lighter load to carry".

Too often, our first inclination to seek a lighter load . . . to have an easier time of it . . . to have less to have to carry. I believe that God wants me to discover how able He is as I trust Him to help me carry the load . . . as I see Him strengthen my shoulders and increase my capacity to handle the tough challenges in life.

I guess that is one of the lessons He has for me in addition to giving more care to my bike riding.