For the next few weeks, we’ll look at scriptures related to the Building Blocks, which are spiritual practices we can adapt and use to “practice the presence of Christ.” Read more info about the blocks, or download the 2011 Soul Care Plan. Today’s Block is “S”, for service.
Today’s scripture: Mark 10:43-45 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
“Ms. Mills, Sam cut me!” “Ms. Mills, Amy cut me!” “Ms. Mills, Chloe cut me!”
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times a day I hear these words come out of the mouths of the kindergarten friends I work with. These words are uttered each time some five year old had inadvertently (or intentionally) managed to get in front of another five year old on the way to lunch, or gym, or… you name it! I get so fed up with mediating “cutting in line” arguments!
One day, as I was extricating two young ladies who had become embroiled in a bit of a scratching fight over who had cut who in line, I reached my boiling point! I had had enough! Why couldn’t these little friends just “let it go”! They would all get to the same place at virtually the same time no matter what! I shook my head and walked the young ladies hand-in-hand to their destination.
Driving home that day I was next to a line of folks trying to merge into my lane on I-465. I couldn’t believe those cars were trying to cut me! I began to speed up so no one would cut in front of me. I even went so far as to blow the horn and express my strong displeasure to those who tried to “cut” me.
What an eye opener! I guess it isn’t just five-year-olds who have a hard time letting someone go in front of them! The scripture today seems to be telling us to go against our human nature! It seems to be saying that letting someone cut in front of us is OK. That is a hard lesson for me to hear.
More than that, it reminds me about how we need to go against our human nature and cultivate our spiritual nature. I grow my soul each time I pause and look around to see who I might be able to help up, or who I might be able to assist by letting them “cut” me.
Thought for the day: Who can I bless by letting them go first? Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.