A few weeks ago, I had lunch with a couple of college students and our conversation caused me to pause and reflect. While we discussed their daily routines and college life in general, the memories of my walk through the halls of academe resurfaced. At one point, they asked me what I did during lunch each day which brought back even better memories.
During my college years, I lived at home and commuted back and forth to school. This was partly because we had a dairy farm on which I worked but mainly due to the expense of getting my own place (news flash – most college students are broke). Because we lived several miles from the university and the fact that I was a stereotypical college student (dead-broke), driving back home each day for lunch was not an option. So, I either took my lunch, attended free lunches, or on some Thursdays I would eat with my grandmother who lived in town.
Now Granny could cook. Man, could she cook! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas were just a sampling of her repertoire that could cause the most heated family political debate to be put on hold until after supper. Even her tuna salad could make you dance. However, I think it was the conversation during these Thursday noon-time meals that fed me the most.
Granny and Pa were farmers as well. They had a dairy and raised, hay, cotton, and peanuts as did many of their neighbors. My ears really tuned in when she described harvest-time back in those days. She would tell of how one neighbor may own a thrasher and someone else have a hay baler or tractor and how they would all come together when the crops were ready, moving from one family farm to the next, harvesting field after field for several weeks until the harvest was completed. She would talk about the huge meals they would prepare each day for those working in the fields and how everyone (man, woman, and child) shared a role in some aspect of the harvest. As she talks, I can see folks working with one another through good times and bad. I can see their struggles but also feel their comfort knowing they are shared struggles. I can sense the sincerity of their labor and feel the joy they share for one another. What a beautiful picture of individuals within community with a common purpose.
Times are a bit different now. Today, it seems that there is more emphasis placed individual pursuits. One doesn’t have to look very far to find the prevalence of the “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) mentality in our culture. We have businesses and television channels dedicated to it. You can even find a television show depicting the plight of individuals clawing, backstabbing, and maliciously fighting their way through a series of “group projects” in an effort to become the next “Apprentice” of a millionaire. Not too long ago there was a special television show created by a basketball star (referred to as “King”) that depicted his selection process for which team would be afforded the opportunity to award him his next big contract. A somewhat different picture than the one Granny painted.
Please don’t misunderstand me. It is necessary for us to develop our talents and skills and be able to take care of ourselves. It is important for us to be able to do some things on our own. But, I think it is of greater importance to look at why we are equipping ourselves and for what purpose. When I survey the picture painted in the previous paragraph it becomes apparent to me that, if we allow culture and “self” to become the informant that directs our journey, then greed, envy, and selfish-ambition will ultimately become our wisdom. Our path then becomes twisted and fraught with danger. Furthermore and contrary to popular thought, this state of being affects not only the individual but the community as well.
James reminds us that “…the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
As I reflect on the words pure, peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere, the picture that Granny painted keeps popping into my mind. Of the two pictures I’ve presented, this one seems more Christ-like…more humble.
Have you thought about who your “King” is? What are you an “Apprentice” of? What you are harvesting and for whom?
Father, bless me with the strength and courage to put my knowledge of you and your will into action. May I advance your purposes. Thank you for community as I can’t do it alone. Thank you for sending Jesus to save me from myself.
In His name I pray,
Amen
Todd Adams – Dublin , TX
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