As kids, some of us had the privilege of parents, grandparents or just an older friend sharing a story. Some stories make us laugh, cry, feel warm inside or even frightened. As years progress, our own lessons learned in life have provided more personal insight into those old stories and the messages behind each. These lessons help us pass down to younger generations similar stories that can be remembered.
I once heard of a farmer who was building a fence around his crops. As he spent the day digging post holes, setting even cut post and laying the rails, he also had to contend on his cart with one particular post of odd length. This piece of wood kept getting in the way. Continually having to move it around the wood he needed, in frustration, the farmer threw it into a nearby ravine (or as we like to call in the South, a deep gully). Later that day, as he reached the last short section needed to complete the fence, he noticed that the cart was empty and he had one last post hole to fill. While scratching his head, he questioned, How did I mis-count? I know I have another post around here somewhere. What once was a thorn in his side was now suddenly a stick of wood which could provide a solution. Just one problem. That odd length post now rested, where the farmer found reason to discard, 25 feet down at the bottom of a steep red dirt coated bank-side. What once was an object of distaste and frustration had now become very important. Without it, he could not ”tie the knot” towards completing a whole days work. Without the post, he simply would not be finished.
Why does a farmer build a fence around his or her property anyway? Is it to let others on the outside know the property boundaries? Many times, a fence can help protect livestock and food. Perhaps, the farmer is using the fence as a reminder of where his or her property ends and another persons begins. Regardless, for the fence to be effective, it must be complete. Without a post placed firmly in the ground to hold the joining parts, the foundation is incomplete. The fence becomes useless simply because one piece is missing. Like the farmer, who at the end of his workday discovered the essential value of one post, what are some things that we tend to discard, only discovering later the value and importance of such?
In scripture, Christ is expressed as being the cornerstone to doctrine. In homes with single moms, single dads, singles, couples with kids and without, many who are Christians would probably describe Christ as being the foundation. In comparison, just how important are the parts that make this foundation? Christ loved. Christ listened. Christ was forgiving. No matter what race, shape or size of those he spent time with, Christ was a servant leader. By his actions and teachings, he sought to help others understand their importance. In our families and friendships, how are we emulating similar servant leadership to build foundations together? Servant leadership should compliment the very best qualities of others, especially our spouse and family. Christ understood his boundaries as well. He knew when to take action and when to simply let things take shape. Likewise, we all do justice in reminding ourselves of the boundaries where we can help guide and where we might be going too far with guidance. By taking a more unconditional approach, we often receive positive responses from those we care for in such ways.
Let your spouse, family and friends know their qualities are not to be discarded; however, recognized. We can love. We can listen. We can learn to be forgiving. No matter what shape, size or combination of family we may serve, we can learn to serve in a Christ-like manner.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-16
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