I have a wonderful neighbor. He’s a retired ex-Army guy and he and his wife love to travel. She likes cruises and he enjoys driving the open road in their newly purchased motor home. I don’t see them often but when I do it is a pleasure to sit and talk with them and hear of their many adventures.
Recently they were gone for exactly two months taking the southern route across the country to California to be with their daughter as she gave birth to a son. What an exciting time as they welcomed their sixth grandchild.
Meanwhile back home I was keeping an eye on their house. One evening I noticed their outdoor patio light was out so the next day I took a brand new bulb and replaced what I thought was the burnt out one. Thus began my comedy of errors. This story qualifies me for the “home.”
As I was leaving I realized I was at the wrong house. Since this is the one neighbor I don’t get along with I thought it prudent just to leave. With another bulb in hand I went back to the right house and guess what? I tripped over the front step and landed in a heap. Both of my new reconstructed knees were bleeding, it took forever to get up and shinny bulb fragments were scattered across the front porch
As I was struggling to stand I was reminded of an old saying, “All good deeds go unpunished.”
Now it was back to my house to get a third bulb and a dust pan. That’s three bulbs to change one. Ridiculous!
We all, at one time or another, try to be helpful to those around us. Not always successful but at least we try. The Book of Books teaches us, “To love your neighbor as yourself.” These are wise words from Jesus Himself as told by the Apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke. Can you imagine for a moment what this world would be like if we all followed this Scripture in our daily lives. No conflicts, no crime, no wars. Some people might claim it would be like “heaven on earth.”
But hold on. There is no way we can compare the two. One would still be consumed by endless sin as it pays the price for the first couple and the charming but deceptive serpent. The other designed by the Father to be a place of eternal beauty and forever rest.
Listen to the solution offered by Jesus,
“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
Sound familiar?
We’ll just have to wait and see.
Manna and Coffee 