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Two longstanding church members were in a boat fishing with a new Christian. Fishing is a great time for conversation and each was proclaiming his fervent faith and devotion to God. As they were discussing their faith, one’s hat blew into the water. So he stood up, calmly stepped onto the water, walked over to his hat, picked it up off the water, and walked backed to the boat. The new Christian was amazed how this Christian could seemingly walk on water. As the new Christian was pondering this, the other church member’s hat blew into the water. He also very calmly stepped onto the water, walked over to his hat, picked it up off the water, and walked backed to the boat. The new Christian was overwhelmed at how spiritual these men must be to have walked on the water as they did. Then the new Christian thought to himself, "Well, if these guys can do it, so can I", and he "helped" his hat blow into the water. He very calmly stepped out of the boat and was inhaling water instantly. As he fought his way to the surface, gasping for breath, the two long-standing church members turned to each other and said, "I think we should have told him about the sand bar on this side of the boat."
Several years ago I read an article about Queen Mary, who made it her practice to visit Scotland every year. She was so loved by the people there that she often mingled with them freely without a protective escort. One afternoon while walking with some children, she went out farther than she’d planned. Dark clouds came up unexpectedly, so she stopped at a nearby house to borrow an umbrella. “If you will lend me one,” she said to the lady who answered the door, “I will send it back to you tomorrow.” The woman didn’t recognize the Queen and was reluctant to give this stranger her best umbrella. So she handed her one that she intended to throw away. The fabric was torn in several places and one of the ribs was broken.The next day another knock was heard at the door. When the lady opened it, she was greeted by a royal guard, who wa...
The Cavalry Is Already Here! (08.25.05--Under Pressure!--Judges 1:1)
Working for a small, non-profit, I often find myself tackling projects on pretty much of a solo basis. The old adage, “If you want to get something done, you need to do it yourself!” is a prevalent attitude among those who work in the often under-staffed and over-taxed non-profit world. Sometimes, in order to get things done, you just need to tackle them head-on; because it isn’t likely that the cavalry is coming any time soon.
As utilitarian as it may sound however, tackling projects on a solo basis can often prove to be self-defeating. The fact of the matter is that, while you are busying yourself with completing one thing, there are likely two or more things that aren’t being done in the balance. Working solo may be often times attractive and, for that matter, addictive. But, it is no less of a rut than laziness. There are hazards to working alone. There is no other viewpoint to share and there is certainly no division of labor. When faced with the pressure of getting things done, especially when that those “things” are critically important, sometimes it is a far better alternative to wait for the cavalry.
Take the story of the Hope College Women’s basketball team that had made it to the national playoffs. The final game saw Hope twenty points behind with ten minutes left to play. Nevertheless, the team remained calm and began to narrow the gap. Slowly the difference on the scoreboard began to lessen. Then with just five seconds remaining, a three point basket tied the game. The shooter, Dina Disney, had been fouled on the shot and she was now given the opportunity to win the game with her free throw. With no time left on the clock, she sank the first of two free throws to put her team ahead and win the game. Later, when television and press interviewers asked her how she stayed calm under so much pressure, Dina replied with a surprising answer. As she stood at the free throw line concentrating on her last shot, she said that she had recited to herself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (...
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