Combinations

Do all things without grumbling or complaining Philippians 2:14

Some things just go together like peanut butter and jelly or salt and pepper and we often see things in pairs that simply make sense.  In relationships they say opposites attract and that seems sensible and pretty easy to defend but what about those things that just don’t seem to go together at all but yet sometimes intersect?  Last week we had two nights of softball and snow or softball and 30 pounds of clothes and blankets to protect ourselves from the wind and the freezing rain.  It was the perfect example of two things that don’t belong together at all but spring in Michigan seems to toss that combination together pretty regularly.  As I bundled up for the third such outing in a week I began to wonder how I could make the yucky combination more fun.  After just a little thought it came to me and made me smile.

When the weather is nasty and the devoted parents huddle together to stay warm and cheer on their daughters there is a sense of bonding that can only come from laughing at each other for doing such ridiculous things to support our kids.  It dawned on me that there were groups of parents watching baseball and track huddled and shivering just like us and it made me giggle.  It’s nuts but it made me realize how much we love our kids.  I wouldn’t sit on cold aluminum bleachers and shiver for anybody else but my kids and why do we do it? Because we love them and we want to support them whether they are on the field or in the dugout.  As I sat there wondering if the kids we support appreciate it I realized that didn’t even really matter.

I’m sure Jesus has done things that were way more uncomfortable for me than sitting out in the cold watching a ball game and I’m not sure I always show him my appreciation.  I guess the truth of the matter is Jesus’ love and my behaviors aren’t always a compatible combination.  I don’t always respond with enthusiasm or dedication and I certainly don’t give him all the attention and priority he deserves.  I suppose supporting those we love even when it’s uncomfortable is an opportunity to serve him and grow in holiness.  I hope I will be able to remember that the next time I have a chance to put someone else’s needs and comfort ahead of mine.

I wonder what my life would be like if I made the combination of gratefulness and holiness more important than comfort and convenience?  I’m going to work really hard to try out some great new combinations and maybe if I do it right, I will come out of it all walking a little closer to the Jesus I love.

A Seed To Plant:  Pick one negative thing this week you can complete without complaint or concern for your personal comfort or convenience…see where it leads your heart.