Appreciate the Manna - Before It's Gone

In the Old Testament, our spiritual ancestors the Israelites recently delivered from Egypt where they were treated in sub-human fashion, began to lament life on the road (out from under their tormentors). "We are going to die out here," they wailed like today's children, teenagers and most adults forced to play somewhere other than in front of a computer or TV in the A/C. "Besides, we are hungry. In Egypt they treated us like crap but at least we had 3 squares a day," they continued like a convict who has mistaken prison fare's stability for freedom.

So God fed them with manna. Each morning available for the gathering was the day's meal with only the condition that they not take more than a day's worth. Soon, right to the door delivery was not even enough and they were griping again.

This summer, God has made very clear to me just how much like my spiritual ancestors I really am. For years I enjoyed the company of a spouse who loved and was patient with me. Her companionship was that manna. Hmmm, think I appreciated it? Not only no, but heck no. Now she's gone. What I wouldn't give for just a few minutes walking hand in hand talking about ANYTHING, or nothing.

Manna looks very different today than it did prior to May 29, 2010. How much clearer my vision is in its absence!

Do you like manna? Are you thankful God has provided manna in your life? Are you really? Men, no, your spouse isn't perfect - but she puts up with your crap (and no one dishes out crap like men, especially many believing men, who are "leaders" of their household). When was the last time you said, "Dear (or your pet name for her), my world would be absolutely incomplete without you in it. I would NOT be the person I am without your love and companionship." Or, "Dear patient woman, do you know how poor a job I have done showing you at the heart-level what your love means to me and who God is making me?"

NO - comments did not come from Oprah. Came from the heart of one who ignored manna, griped about manna and wasted manna as he saw fit - until his arrogance resulted in its disappearance. Trust me today fellows when I tell you, the manna you enjoy, on it's (her) worst day is beyond your comprehension of its (her) disappearance. From one hungry fellow to the next (and I don't mean horny, I mean hungry for the companionship and company my sweet wife patiently provided) savor the taste of the manna God has provided you before it slips away.

Vulnerability

As I face the loss of my best friend to divorce, the consequence of my misdirected attempts to hide my vulnerability, I am struck by truth of Jesus statement that the tighter we hold life, the greater the likelihood we will lose it.

I badly wanted to be loved by my sweet spouse for just me - failings, weaknesses and all. I wanted it to be alright to show emotion, express doubt at times in my own abilities and questions about faith. However, to our last days in the same house, I believed the lies from Hell - "protecting myself" from the prospect of rejection - pridefully believing I was disguising weakness for strength and insight. What a crock of crap!

On those few instances I was vulnerable, I was accepted on each occasion!!

Men, guess why God insisted we lead? Because we are dispositionally INCAPABLE of doing so effectively unless we give the responsibility back to Him realizing, "I cannot do this." He asked that we lead because doing so with any shot at success requires turning the job back over to HIM every morning.

BTW, ladies before you break something, guess why God ask that you serve in other roles? Because you ARE dispositionally suited to lead and if the task can be carried out without the absolute need for surrender, what results? Pride. Put down the glass vase. Move away from the ledge. Ponder the last two paragraphs before injuring yourself, anyone near you, or flaming me. Ponder (respond no sooner than 10 days). Back to the point at hand.

Who in your life are you hiding from tonight? Afraid he or she won't love the real you? Who has been vulnerable with you, yet you are withholding the same? Please, do yourself a favor before the chance is lost. Show them your heart. Tell someone you love, you feel honored to have a place you can go that is safe, failings and all. You will be blessed beyond words. Withhold it - trust me - you will feel both rejection and laughter as Hell mocks you for having traded pride as a counterfeit substitute for vulnerability.

He who would save his life must lose it . . .