Each Calling Is Unique
Peter turned and saw that the disciple
whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back
against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You
must follow me.” – John 21:20-21
Cows are some of the nosiest creatures on this earth.
They always want to know what’s going on, especially when it’s something that
shouldn’t concern them at all.
The other day the dogs had a tussle with a racoon. The
cows had been in a completely different pasture. They heard the dogs barking
and here they came. I almost felt sorry for the racoon. It had escaped from the
dogs to the other side of the fence but was too badly injured to go any
further. The cows were going up to it, sniffing, and trying to figure out what
had transpired. Just like it was any of their business.
We are exactly the same way. We want to know all the
details about something that isn’t even remotely our business. We are “concerned.”
Give us all the details and we’ll be sure to pray about it. It’s almost comical
except it’s just so sad.
Do we not realize that gossip is a sin? If you’ve
discussed it with someone else, you’ve gossiped. There is a huge difference
between sharing necessary information and getting involved in something that
doesn’t involve you.
We have a natural curiosity, just like the cows do.
Most of us live fairly boring lives (of which I am thankful) and nothing really
exciting happens. So we fill our days with the drama and stories that come from
others. I guess that’s why reality television shows are so popular. They allow
us to be voyeuristic in a socially acceptable way.
Does it make us feel better about ourselves to see the
mess other people can make of their own lives? Does getting caught up in the
dramatic outbursts of others bring excitement to our own lives? It’s almost
like the soap operas that my grandmother watched so faithfully.
Maybe it makes us feel better about our own lives, our
own sins. “Well, at least I haven’t gone through that,” we tell ourselves. “Oh,
I would never stoop that low,” we think as we play judge over someone else.
We assume someone else’s journey is better than our
own. We want their marriage, their children, their jobs, their house, their
cars, their vacation. And on and on it goes. We’re so busy wishing we could
have the lives of someone else that we miss the blessings of the life God has
so graciously given to us.
And we miss the calling God has placed on our lives. I
have a sweet friend who is an exceptional pianist with an amazing voice. I am
filled with gratitude every time I hear her. But that is her gift, not mine.
I have another friend with an amazing talent for
arranging flowers. Every week she takes the altar flowers and rearranges them
into small vases that bless the sick and the shut-ins from our church. That is
not my gift either but I am so grateful for the encouragement she brings to
others with her gift.
We each have gifts and talents, blessings and lives to
live according to God’s calling. Don’t get so concerned with what someone else
is doing or not doing that you miss the special plans God has for you.
