Shortcuts

I like shortcuts when they save me time. When I get familiar with an area I will often take the back roads when it cuts off miles and gets me there quicker. I drive to see my mother in law and have learned the back roads to get to her home. Some streets have a slower speed limit than the main road but the more direct route is still quicker.

I have observed students taking shortcuts in classes when they are required to read books. There are movies of the books and notes that have summaries with condensed versions of the story. As an English major in college I always preferred to read the book. In fact, the notes were more helpful after reading the book for writing a paper or taking a test. I found that those who wanted a “C” used the notes while those who wanted and “A” read the book.

When you want to do something right there is often no shortcut. I am often amazed at how much effort some people will put into trying to avoid work. Yes, I could have paid more for tomato plants with tomatoes already on them. But I would still have to plant them and care for them the same as the ones I have. The work I put into them will only make the fruit taste sweeter.

There is no shortcut to doing God’s will. There are times when it is so rewarding that it seems effortless. There are also times when things go slow and it seems hard. Both times are necessary. It is like exercising to condition our bodies. It takes time. Without exercise we would become weak. With exercise we grow stronger. There is not shortcut to becoming strong in body or in Spirit.

Paul said, “…Train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8, HCSV)

Read “The Book” and you will be ready for the test.
Bro. Robin

The Spoon

I finally returned the spoon. It had arrived at our house accidently with a dish we had taken to a fellowship at a couple’s house. The dish was empty except for the spoon which had accomplished its purpose finding the end of the dish’s contents for the last person who used it. We washed it and set it aside to return. I then carried it around in my briefcase for a while. Then one Sunday during the welcome time I remembered the spoon and returned it to its owner.

I like spoons. Spoons remind me of the end of an especially good meal when all that is left is the gravy that you cannot seem to get with a fork. Joyce will ask me, “Do you need a spoon?” I can pick up my spoon and enjoy every delicious taste. Spoons are also great with ice cream and pie!

I read a story about a fork, maybe you have too. There was a woman who wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why she said that it was because whenever she ate with someone and they told her to keep her fork it meant that dessert was coming. That is how she felt about Heaven. The fork reminded her that something good is coming.

A spoon reminds me that we should enjoy every blessing. I think we rush through things too quickly. When blessings come our way we shout a quick thank you before turning our attention to the next thing. We should take time to enjoy the blessings we have received and let the joy of His blessings linger on our heart..

Psalm 37:4 says: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Look around at the blessings you have seen recently. Take time to be thankful. Ask God for a spiritual spoon and enjoy every delightful taste of His presence.

Bro. Robin