Not My Problem

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5 ESV). The Browns were shown into the dentist's office, where Mr. Brown made it clear he was in a big hurry. "No fancy stuff, Doctor," he ordered, "No gas or needles or any of that stuff. Just pull the tooth and get it over with." "I wish more of my patients were as stoic as you," said the dentist admiringly. "Now, which tooth is it?" Mr. Brown turned to his wife... "Show him, honey." It's easy to be brave when someone else is the one experiencing the pain! It's also easy to believe that someone else is the only one needing treatment. "Don't look at me, doctor. Take care of her!" There have been times following a particularly challenging sermon when I would hear from people as they exited the church remarks like: “Pastor, you really gave it to them today!” Just the other day a very good friend of mine came to see me. As he was leaving he took a piece of paper and outlined his hand on it. He then presented it to me and said, “Here’s a hand for you.” I looked at him and thanked him very much. I immediately knew what he wanted to say to me, even before he explained it. The outlined hand was much more than a symbol of his appreciation for me. He was giving me an “atta-boy.” All of us need and desire to be appreciated. All of the applause we receive from others is so welcomed and encouraging. But, this was much more than that. It was his way of saying “I’m here for you whenever and for whatever. No matter what might transpire I will be your friend. That’s a far cry from most “friendships” we encounter in our lives. I love the poem I recently happened upon by Dinah Craik. It is titled “Friendship”: O, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, Having neither to weigh thoughts, Nor measure words, but pouring them right out, just as they are Chaff and grain together, Certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, Keep what is worth keeping, And with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. Who do you need to give a “hand” to today? Look for those divine opportunities today to be a friend to those you come into contact with.