Tag: working together

Post Election Stress is for the Birds – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

When I hear the honking of geese, I step outside to see if they are close enough for me to catch the whirring of the air currents their strong wings stir up. In this part of Oregon, as temperatures chill we know they’ll soon be heading out for warmer climates.

It amazes me that they know how to do that.

Changes are coming, and I want to encourage you to look up. Maybe it will help relieve some of this season’s stress if I remind you of these noisy birds. geese-flying-free-action-planet-pixabay

I like watching geese fly, and I appreciate their unity as they work together to reach a common goal. If I’m patient I might see the leader at the point of the V-formation leave his post and drop to the back of the flock, giving way for the next bird to take his place.

Their tiny little brains have a lot on the ball.

Consider the birds

If we think of ourselves as a team, all working toward the goal, we stand a better chance of reaching our destination. We’ll arrive faster and with greater strength. We will also benefit from the security that comes with sticking together.

When an opportunity arises for a new goose to take her turn as leader, she isn’t judged by her strength, appearance, or behavior. She’s next in line for the job for that moment. She performs her task then moves on, leaving the spot open for the next leader to rise up.

It comforts me to remember that human leaders occupy a temporary position.

Remember, we don’t vote for someone who has all the right answers to all our concerns or has the ability to fix every problem. Our elections are for only assigning the next short-term leader.

Encourage the flock

God rules eternally over all. What we need now is for the next goose to do his or her part, and move on. And if honking is like praying, and it’s encouraging to those around us, let’s keep it up.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 ESV).

by Kathy Sheldon Davis

When our Heroes Showed Up

My husband rented a log splitting machine last Saturday hoping we could split our year’s supply of firewood in a day, but we were in over our heads.

When I arrived Jerry was pushing against a segment of the tree that didn’t want to budge. It looked like a slice of sausage still attached by the skin, and he had to roll it back and forth to break it free. My man worked with everything he had.

The ticking clock

JD crew firewood 4-2015

I took my position at the lever to raise and lower the wedge, freeing him to feed the slow-moving guillotine. He leaned his weight against the wood until the loud crack announced our success at breaking it into woodstove-sized pieces.

To save costs we hoped to finish the job in one day, and though my arrival quickened the pace exponentially, we admitted we wouldn’t be able to get it done in time. The pressure was intense as we discussed what to do.

The cavalry rode in

I texted for help and our daughter arrived with two strong friends, pulling on their work gloves. Within minutes they’d taken Jerry’s place rolling, pushing, and tossing the wood onto the growing pile, hustling like madmen. Amy took my spot at the lever, and Jerry and I, encouraged, just watched and grinned. We ended up with a nice pile of wood and happy hearts.

JD.KD.AmyFrank Anthonyfirewood 4-2015 crop

They were amazing

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23 NIV).

Part of my anxiety that day grew from concern about the future. I know one day we may not be able to physically handle harvesting firewood, and our family and friends will not always be nearby to help us.

I can’t worry, though. Every human since Adam wondered how they’d survive as their bodies weakened. For now it’s profitable to work hard, trust God, and thank him for the people he’s brought to our lives, like Richard, who arrived to take Anthony’s spot when he left.

Here’s a note

Some things I don’t mind using till they’re worn out, like my car, my Bible cover that’s ratty and won’t zip any more, and my body–especially my body. May I use these things well for their prescribed purposes.

by Kathy Sheldon Davis

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Sometime in the next few weeks I’ll start a series of Bible study/devotionals on my blog. I’m interested in exploring the book of Proverbs again, but I’m not sure where we’ll go yet. I love reading the words of the wise!