Aug 13th, 2020: Life Upgrading

Have you ever got frustrated while trying to get your software updated or upgraded? Once in a while, I ran into that problem, and it drives me bonkers. So I got up one morning intending to get my office suite software ungraded before my first meeting. That was a mistake. Somehow the installed program decided not to play nice with my OS. Two hours later, the upgraded attempt failed.

Many of us have tried the same thing when it comes to making our life better. We try to learn new skills, network with more people, to market ourselves, and to find ways to become relevant and present in the market place. We discover soon enough that not everything will try will be a success. Many years ago, I had a client who hoped to branch out from his automotive business and got into the RV business only to discover that almost put his entire business under bankruptcy. Our ambition and vision don't always work out the way we hope. However, the worse problem is when we have no vision and no hope. 

I used to direct senior high school co-ed camp for almost ten years. One year we decided to renovate the female campers wash house. The girls just hated it, and I learned that we made a mistake by not consulting with them. The wash house looked great but didn't now provide the functional approach that ladies would like to have with the washing facilities. So the intention was noble, but the outcome was disastrous. We ended up having to redo the whole renovation at the end of that summer. The perception of what is helpful can be so different from reality. God gives us opportunities to initiate needed changes in our lives as we see it. Whether we are able to embrace Him while going about changes might be another story.

I have also learned a lesson in trying to help people. The first mistake we can make is to think that we know what is better for them. The second mistake is that we feel responsible for their lack of commitment to make things better for their lives. The third mistake is we don't stop repeating the first two mistakes. To be in God's business is to see people grow and get better in accepting themselves as God's precious and forgiven creation. Many would claim that and yet live their lives with either self-condemnation or judgemental spirit. Some believe that their lives have been upgraded and yet experienced increasing turmoil in life. Some face rejection from their loved ones as soon as they share the love of God in their lives. Some have died for their faith while trying to reach out to others. Understanding how God is at work in our life and in the lives of others is full of mystery at times.

When I got the software fixed later that day, I can see the benefits of having it installed. But that is not immediate. The same thing happens with the new software that God has installed within us. The OS system of this world is not always receptive to it. It will take some time to work through the external tension and the internal contradiction.

Matthew 11: 28-30

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”