I don’t necessarily plan a theme for the posts here on the blog. I’m too eclectic to have a strong structure to what I write. This method of mine is not at all what is advised when writing. But I’ve always broken out of what is normal, making me feel like a misfit a lot of the time. It was difficult for me when I was in school and teachers gave us a notebook to keep track of homework and assignments. I did my best at first. But as time went on, a structured notebook became like a millstone (see Matt. 18:5-7) around my neck. I began to put sticky notes in different colors as book markers in my textbooks. They reminded me of passages I needed to read.
My system was different than what most would consider normal. But, it worked for me. I managed to juggle assignments, due dates, and even got onto the honor roll. I didn’t do well in following organizational advice, yet I made it (much to my parents’ joy and surprise).
Not prepared for devaluation
My scattered nature has worked, for the most part, in life. I can adjust my sails quickly. In our work, particularly, this has served me well. Life here on the continent is eclectic, just like me. It is impossible to know for certain what tomorrow holds. We can predict with some level of accuracy what that might entail: water and power cuts, fuel shortages, and general nuisances (think rats and cockroaches). But no one can prepare you for when currency is devalued by 50% in a day without notice, as happened once to us in Malawi.
The day before the devaluation, we had cashed a check to pay for our personal rent and purchase groceries for the month. When we went to pay the rent and go grocery shopping, we realized our money was no longer worth what it was the previous day. That was a difficult month. But my nature served me well. I didn’t wallow in the shock for too long. I made lots of beans, rice, and vegetables that month. Being tied to organization in that circumstance could have been a millstone, so I improvised.
It is advised to roll not fall like a millstone
Years ago in school, we had a demonstration of how to keep yourself from getting hurt. The instructor said that instead of falling straight, like a tree, or having a millstone around your neck, it is advised to roll. That little bit of advice has seen me through currency devaluations, border closings, fuel shortages, and civil war.
Flexibility is a precious thing and while many aspire to it, few actually obtain it. Jesus’ life was a big lesson in flexibility. When complications came His way while He was on earth, He didn’t sit around moaning about the trouble. He simply found a way around it.
Finding away around the millstone
Choosing to find a way around a problem, to choose a good path instead of the bad, takes courage. No one likes to be surprised and have their plans ruined. But it happens and when it does, what do we do? How can we cope without allowing the disappointment to consume us? Jesus had ample opportunity to be upset time and again. But the world rejected Him and ultimately crucified Him. However, He found ways around the rejection.
Mark 6:1-7 NLT “Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, ‘Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?’ Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.’ They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.
Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.’ And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.”
An opportunity to carry on without a millstone
Every roadblock we encounter is an opportunity for another door to open. If Jesus had based His work on the experience He had in Mark 6 (above), His story might have ended because those closest to Him rejected Him. Disappointments, perceived failures, and the unexpected can serve us – not finish us – if we can just have courage to carry on.
A few years ago, one of the books my daughter had as required reading in school was called, “Carry On, Mr. Bowditch.” The title perfectly encapsulates the theme of the book: carry on. This is God’s theme for us today, and every day: carry on. If we look, we’ll find another way to keep on going instead of falling like a millstone is tied around our necks.
