Friday’s thoughts
As we look back over our lives there are some days when things come together for us. We may wonder what makes that possible. As I have thought about the Tower of Babel and the Pentecost event I notice two contrasting outcomes.
In the Genesis 11 story the people built a tower and discovered their language was confusing to them. They spoke the same language but there was no understanding. It always happens when we build monuments to ourselves. We may say the same words and we may speak the same language but we will not understand each other if we give ourselves to building a monument to our own selfishness.
In Acts 2 the disciples are celebrating the harvest of Thanksgiving. Pentecost is a Jewish festival of harvest. The disciples have come together to thank God for the good things in life. The Spirit of God comes upon them, and people of all nationalities are speaking in their own native language. Everyone is understood.
The meaning of this seems clear:
1. We are best served to begin each day with gratitude rather than greed.
2. We are most confused when we spend our time trying to gratify our own ego need for recognition and we move toward a higher degree of clarity when we are in touch with that which is greater than ourselves.
On this Memorial Weekend we are given the time to reflect upon the people who have given so much to us. We realize how important people have been in our lives as we remember them. We realize, with gratitude, the men and women who have served our nation and have given their lives in service of freedom.
May this be a Pentecost weekend for all people.
For what are you thankful. On the weekend approaching whose sacrifice for you will you remember?
If you have thoughts write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net and if you are willing to let others read your ideas click on the “comments” box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
