So...
Now that we've talked about our boat, we need to talk about Family. Because you see, if we're all going to live on this boat together.....well, we need to get along. And first off, getting along does not mean we need to always like each other. It does, however, mean that we need to love each other.
When a lot of people are crammed into a small space, it's pretty easy to find out where one's boundaries are. When I start getting agitated, exhausted, or irritable, it's time for some space. I go get some air on deck, or I go do something to get rid of the negative energy. The last thing I want to do is stay in the place I'm irritated, unless I want to eat humble pie later. No thanks. Been there, done that.
So, here are the basic Ark Rules:
Observation One: The Trinity. He/She/ They're the Boss.
Reminder Number Two: Don't be trying to turn that Trinity into anything else. Particularly something you WANT them to be. That's how we got on this boat in the first place, remember?
Third piece of Ark Advice: Do you remember the story of Moses and The Burning Bush? Moses had to look aside, take off his sandles, and worship. God then revealed to Moses that He was "I AM". I AM.......everything. There is one Provider on this boat, and like Observation One says, He's the boss. Don't take it for granted by trying to save yourself. It won't work, and you'll eat the humble pie AGAIN. Accept the free gift, and just say thanks.
Fourth rule of the Ark: Please Rest. We don't need anyone overworked and underpaid. We are in close quarters. Your grumpiness affects the rest of us. If you can't rest, then feel free to go swimming for awhile. A Sabbath was created on purpose. It's not only for our pleasure, but for our sanity (and everyone else's!).
Fifth boat rule, be nice to your mom and dad. If your mom and dad are on this boat, then they helped pave the way. Don't take all the credit thinking you got in this boat by yourself. People laid down their very lives for us to be able to turn a piece of wood into a sailing ship. Respect your elders.
Sixth suggestion for the Swimming Sea: Before you say something, think. Before you lose your temper, take a breath. Don't say or do anything stupid that you'll regret later. Do we have to talk about humble pie again? We all have to live on this boat together, so let's find a way to build one another up not tear one another down. If you have a problem with a person, please remember that said person has a story, too. Let's be honest. We all act nutty sometimes because we've been hurt, rejected, abandoned, etc. So, in order to be responsible Ark citizens, let us each take time to question why we are really angry. After doing so, it might be good to ask the offensive person a question about what you're feeling instead of throw out a "You" statement. Ya know, "You did this to me, You did that to me, You're so blah blah blah." Because let's just be honest, that NEVER works. No throwing stones. No killing each other.
Seventh Ark idea: Don't be looking at or stealing anybody else's lover. This boat calls for monogamy. If you don't like your mate, you better go back to Observation One. (Is anyone catching on yet?)
Eighth rule of Boat Business: Don't take anything that ain't yours. If someone has something you want or you think you need, perhaps ask them how they might have worked so hard to get it. If they received it as a gift, thank God that there are still generous people in this boat-making time in history. But whatever you do, don't take it. It's not yours. It's theirs. If they want to give it to you out the the graciousness in their hearts, then be thankful, and look for how you can do the same for someone else later.
Ninth Ark Initiative: Don't be spreading rumors. We've each worked hard for the lives we live. If you don't like the way another person is living, don't you dare say something to make fun of, harass, or defame them. Remember? Revenge never wins. Love never fails. Love covers a multitude of sins. On the Ark, we stick up for people who are being unjustly slandered. And if someone is doing wrong, we help them do right. If we can't help them do right, then we keep our mouths shut, and we let someone else help them do right. But don't put your brother's sins on display, and stand up for those who are being falsely accused.
Tenth Boat Bullet: There is no room for jealousy, control, manipulation, or anything like it. If you find that you are in any way offended by someone on the boat--whether because they have hurt you or because you are just envious of what they have--it is best to just to sit on down. After you take a seat, it's good to go back to Rule #6. We already covered intentional offenses. Now, let's cover jealously. Because Lawd knows jealousy in the church is rampant. We've got a lot of people fighting for spotlight. Suffering servants? Haven't seen many of those. What I do know, though, is that Suffering Servants end up Ressurrecting from the Dead. And when they do, the ones who have not yet lived can come out with claws. And it ain't pretty. Ever been in the high school cafeteria when two of those rough girls got into a cat fight? I have. Scared the poop out of me. If someone is favored, bless them. They paid a price for it. And I'll say it again, if someone is favored, bless them. If you have any inkling of jealousy or you think you know better then said favored person, don't open yo' mouth to try to pray them better. You know what's worse than a black witch stirring up soup in a huge cauldron? Jealous Christians trying to "fix", upstage, or pray for one another out of their own insecurity. I have a headache just thinking about it. We've gotta live on this boat together. Bless the ones who are leading or who may be taking a different cabin assignment than you. If you're gonna be jealous, then be jealous all the way to Jesus. He's the one who made them that way anyway.
Wow. I feel better. Did anyone else just hear God telling Moses the Ten Commandments with a slight Southern drawl?
Happy Travels. May we be the Family God intended us to be........
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