I reprimanded myself recently because it suddenly occurred to me that if the end of the world comes in my time, I have no plan B. I am not prepared, and as far as strategy and tactic goes, I am lacking. I don’t watch the news but I do know that there are wars and rumours of wars. I know that there is much darkness, brokenness and concern.
I clucked disapprovingly at my short comings as I hung piece after piece of a clean load of washing under our wide African sky. Birds caught worms and built nests and a gentle breeze flickered through the leaves. I thought about dinner. No time to be clever today – a simple soup and buttered bread rolls will do. One of my little ones called for me to come and help and I noticed wilting pot plants in need of water. School runs, appointments, sports fixtures, to do lists, never-ending DIY tasks, messages to respond to – so much to do for the now and the here, when will I everbe able to plan for what may occur in a different time and place? With each crumpled piece of clothing disentangled, shaken and neatly pinned to the line, my flustered thoughts fought for the same sense of order; and then they came, Words of Life, like spring rains!
The first one came shooting like an arrow dipped in love and hit its mark: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matthew 6 verse 34) The second one fell like a waterfall, silver and smooth, drenching my entire being and soaking into the earth I stood on: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.” (1 Thessalonians 4 verse 11) I waited on that holy ground for more and it was there that I remembered a story. It is found in Ecclesiastes 9 and goes something like this:
Once upon a time, a poor man lived in a small city. A powerful king wanted that city for himself. There was no reason at all for the king to expect resistance and his desire seemed a done deal. There was, however, and we must always remember, a man, poor but wise, living in that city. We aren’t sure exactly what he did but it involved wisdom and, because of it, that man saved the day and his city. Imagine the headline: Ordinary civilian trumps powerful king! Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 9 that he cannot believe people do not remember this wise man. It’s a mystery as to how it all works, but he tells us that wise words should be heeded and that wisdom is better than weapons of war! I don’t know about you but that comes as a relief to me.
I put an end to the war in my mind then and there and I let the words plant themselves, hidden but sure, in my heart. This is my plan, plan A and plan B, and this is my peace. No more worrying. Mind my own business. Find wisdom. I put aside my concerns and my sense of helplessness and I made a decision to live well for today and for all the todays to come. I shook off the worry and discovered there was laughter in the depths of my belly where anxious thoughts were breeding moments before. There are wars and one day I might need to do something more in the fight, but right now there is a family under my care who need my love and attention. There are fires to be put out and battles to be won each day right here in this peaceful land and this family, not to mention the community I find myself in, need me to be on my A game for them. Let me not forsake all that can be done right here and now because I am concerned for another time and another place. I lifted my empty laundry basket and my sweet child, set my face to the beaming sun, and marched indoors to find the right sized pot.
On that day when your money, strength, education, sense of humour and good looks cannot save you, may you be worry-free. May there be wisdom in your heart spilling out as you work with your hands doing all that needs to be done. Job 28 verses 23 and 28 says that only God understands the way to wisdom and He alone knows where it dwells. He has said to the human race that to fear God is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding. When all your good planning amounts to nothing much, maybe you will be the very one God chooses to save the city! Let that settle in your heart, dear one.
As for me, the toddler’s needs are met, the plants are watered, there is a pot of simple, nourishing goodness bubbling on the stove and a pile of freshly-folded, sun-scented clothes ready to be worn. The admin and messages are not even nearly done, but I will get there. If there is ever need for weapons or anything else I have no idea about, I will run for the wisdom first, and keep my eyes firmly on the One who gives it.
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