Next Time, I Hope to Bother Somebody
I feel our culture is pushing us in a direction that is leading to a loss in a sense of community. I know for many of you this statement is hardly surprising, and not very original. Regardless, I would like to sit with this thought for a while as I think it is challenging to accept, and even more so, change. Besides, I also have a story to share about it ...
First, I just want to reflect on this Scripture ...
Some have used this passage in an attempt to support socialism or communism, however this is not a mandated lifestyle, but rather one of the heart. This is not a regulation, but rather a proclamation. A proclamation of who and Whose they are.
So now time for a short story ...
Earlier today I was trimming my lawn with my weed whacker (or weed whip, but whacker sounds much more destructive, which is what I was doing to the weeds!). Regardless, I was reflecting on how this lovely piece of machinery was in my garage. Recently my gas powered one quit, and I decided to purchase a replacement; this time cordless. Before my purchase my neighbor offered to let me use his (cordless) since I didn't have one. It worked fine, was right next door, and certainly was cheaper!
However, I didn't have one of my own. After all, it's my lawn, and I need my own stuff right?
I reflected how my neighbor commented how he loved his, but the battery was dying and he needed to get a replacement soon. I wonder if I approached him and asked: "Hey, how about I buy a new battery and we just share the tool?"
Good idea, but that's OK, I have one of my own now ... after all, if we did have some agreement then perhaps I would have to bother him. Right? Bother him ... with what? Talking? Sharing a quick word as he opens his garage? Smiling as I wave to their child? Striking up a conversation about work, weather, faith, family, life?
But it's OK ... I have my own now ... success right?
Right?
Maybe next time I'll choose to bother somebody ...
First, I just want to reflect on this Scripture ...
"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." (Acts 4:32 ESV)
Some have used this passage in an attempt to support socialism or communism, however this is not a mandated lifestyle, but rather one of the heart. This is not a regulation, but rather a proclamation. A proclamation of who and Whose they are.
So now time for a short story ...
Earlier today I was trimming my lawn with my weed whacker (or weed whip, but whacker sounds much more destructive, which is what I was doing to the weeds!). Regardless, I was reflecting on how this lovely piece of machinery was in my garage. Recently my gas powered one quit, and I decided to purchase a replacement; this time cordless. Before my purchase my neighbor offered to let me use his (cordless) since I didn't have one. It worked fine, was right next door, and certainly was cheaper!
However, I didn't have one of my own. After all, it's my lawn, and I need my own stuff right?
I reflected how my neighbor commented how he loved his, but the battery was dying and he needed to get a replacement soon. I wonder if I approached him and asked: "Hey, how about I buy a new battery and we just share the tool?"
Good idea, but that's OK, I have one of my own now ... after all, if we did have some agreement then perhaps I would have to bother him. Right? Bother him ... with what? Talking? Sharing a quick word as he opens his garage? Smiling as I wave to their child? Striking up a conversation about work, weather, faith, family, life?
But it's OK ... I have my own now ... success right?
Right?
Maybe next time I'll choose to bother somebody ...
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