In Matthew (6:24) and Luke (16:13), there are two very similar versions of scripture. All of us are familiar with them:
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Now, traditionally mammon refers to wealth, money, or material possessions. I’ve told myself,” Whew! I’m okay with this one. I don’t put any of those things above my LORD.”
Until now.
I had a stark realization the other day, after working yet another grueling long day, that I have started serving two masters.
Having two jobs at the same time are physically, mentally, and spiritually killing me.
I have come to hate the one (that pulls me away from my home), and long to return to the other, (working on Barry’s schedule and traveling with him).
Oh, I’ve justified it by saying to myself, my family, my friends and basically anyone who asks: “It’s only for a season (which is the truth). It ends for me in two more weeks. On October 31st, I will walk out of there for the last time.”
Or I tell myself and you…
“I love the interaction with the kids!” (Which again is the truth. I do love the kids! However, it’s the long hours on my feet; no breaks; no lunch; additional responsibilities added at the end of the shift, and the rude grown-ups that drive me crazy!
After yet another evening of whining to Bear about my day, he shared with me that his “harvest” was last month. He was on the road alone from Iowa to Colorado to Kansas to Oklahoma. Many times, having to perform in brutal humidity and heat, with sweat dripping off his hat onto his guitar. He would simply collapse on the bed at night after his performances. But he knew it was only temporary. He knew he had to continue and get through it. He knew that this too shall pass.
So, after I threw myself my own pity-party, I had to have my own “come to Jesus meeting”. How could I turn things around?
Problem: It’s very cold, windy, and sometimes rainy.
Answer: Dress in layers. Be prepared. Check the weather forecast. Expect anything.
Problem: The hours are longer than I expected.
Answer: I had no real knowledge of the hours and days, so why should I be surprised? Did I or did I not pray for the LORD to give me a seasonal job? I did so HE did.
Problem: Am I involving the LORD with my daily commute? Or am I dreading and cursing the day before it even begins?
Answer: Play Gospel music on the way to work. Pray continually thanking the LORD for everything that HE has blessed me with. Including this temporary job.
Problem: Working Sundays all day from nine in the morning until six thirty in the evening. I can’t be with Bear to worship together.
Answer: Then I need to be the church. I need to show the love of Christ to my fellow employees and customers. I must be the Light in the darkness.
So, last Sunday while at work with my new thankful attitude in direct contact with my work reality, I was given a precious gift.
I noticed this one little boy as he returned to the jump pad at least twice or three times. Each time he would smile at me and jump close to where I was standing in my “lifeguard” position and exchange a few words of pleasantry.
On his last visit, he said to me, “I have something for you!”
“Really? I asked as I glanced down at him and then back up at the other fourteen kids jumping at the same time.
“Yes, here.” He replied as he took off a charm bracelet from his wrist.
“Oh, my! I don’t want to take something from you unless you make sure it’s okay with Mommy or Daddy.”
“No, I made this for you!”
“Well, in that case. Thank you!”
I took the bracelet out of his little hand, and I looked down at the word that the letter beads spelled out.
“CHOSEN” … in capital letters.
I smiled. I winked at him and said,
“Yes, indeed, we are the chosen ones of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”
Hmmm. Do you think that was a mere coincidence?
Not on your life.
