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Although 2012 holds the promise of many new things like new insights, adventures, and relationships, the year ahead also offers us more of the same. The same almighty God on heaven's throne. The same divine mercy and love. The same resurrection power for daily living. I think a combo of new and old sounds good. What about you?

churches and bees: both have goals and opportunities

My rosemary bushes are blooming, and the bees have noticed. The bees obviously don’t care whether spring has officially arrived. They also don’t care about the annoying winds or the temperatures bouncing up and down. All the bees care about is the scraggly branches full of lavender flowers. Every morning the bees swarm my shrubs with relentless intensity. They labor all day, not wanting to miss one drop of nectar from one tiny bloom.  They don’t pay attention to the distractions I notice: the cars driving past my house and the neighbor walking her dog. Their singular focus amazes me. What drives these bees to stick with their task as they do? Do they see the flowers and realize this is their chance, their moment? That they have to go for it (whatever it is) right now before it’s too late?

In Galatians 6:9-10, Paul wrote about taking advantage of opportunities. He said, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  My paraphrase: Don’t lose heart. Don’t grow weary. See the goal. See the opportunity. There’s a season to the work. It's happening now. Do good. Bless your fellow believers. Do it now.

When I read Paul’s words, I think of the bees. Then I think of my church, both the people and the glaring needs for servants in some of our ministries. Hoyt and I talked about these leadership gaps last night, so it’s fresh on my heart. I see two groups of workers: the bees and our church members (me included). When I compare the two groups with Paul’s instructions, the bees look great. The church members (me included)? Not so much.

I know bees and people are different, but the comparison leaves me with questions.

·         The bees obviously see their opportunity, or they wouldn’t be swarming the flowers on my shrubs. Do Christians see opportunities as clearly as the bees do, especially our opportunities to do good? What opportunities do I have right now?

·         Are we willing to sacrifice time and energy to seize the moment and take advantage of the season, or have we put limits on our service? Do the limits come from God or our own minds? How do skewed priorities or selfishness shape my limits?

·         Do we have the goal—God’s kingdom, the Spirit’s work, the reaping moment —in mind at all times? Is it on my mind today?

I guarantee you that the bees outside my house have a clear goal in mind. I also know they won’t stop until they’re finished with their task. So what about us?

Thursday – May 15, 2012