Our sermon this first Sunday of the new year was about
Moses’ call by the burning bush, and I found a real parallel with decorating
the bank lobby for Christmas.
Last year, my job was moved to a different city. I was
fortunate to be transferred to a different, but local, branch of the same bank;
and I was blessed to work with Diane for several months before she retired.
Diane is a sweet lady. She is a sharp dresser, volunteers at her church, and
has an eye for detail and decorating. She is the type of woman that when I fall
into the trap of comparison, I don’t really measure up to. I know I have my own
strengths, but I am weak and sometimes, I would like to have strengths like
hers, too.
About the middle of November, two people excitedly informed
me (at different times!) that bank’s Christmas tree would be delivered the
Saturday after Thanksgiving. This thing
is gigantic and a company is paid to store it off-site and then come and set it
up. I thought, “Man, these people sure are enthusiastic about this tree!” I was
excited, too, because I love me some Christmas! No tree or decorations would be
a problem and I was glad that there was a system in place to get the season
rolling! I didn’t understand for a while
that this information was important, because it had been decided that I would
be the one to decorate. I expressed my concerns about this responsibility, but
I was assured that Diane left everything I would need and it would be a breeze.
I thought to myself, “Diane?! Oh, no! Diane is amazing at decorating. This is a
bad idea.” However, what I said was, “Okay, great!”
The tree arrived and I was allowed into the top secret
ornament/decoration storage area. Okay, that was a bit dramatic. It is stored
in the server room and I don’t have access to that door, so it did feel a little like I was approved for security
clearance! I didn’t notice any Men in Black type stuff, or did I? I’ve seen the
movie, so I may never know.
We started dragging out totes filled with the most beautiful
ornaments I’ve ever seen. There were golds, bronzes, browns, and hints of
turquoise and the perfect mixture of shiny, beaded, glittery and matte
finishes. I was inspired by the beauty and encouraged by the thought that there
would be no way to make such magnificent pieces not look pretty. So, with a new
confidence, I pressed on. However, soon
I became aware of a little issue with the tree. It is super- duper tall and I am not. Also, I
am not a fan of heights and the older I get the things my brain perceives as
high are getting lower. No problem. I was
assigned a friend is who is both taller than me and more fearless.
Now, Moses was in the desert tending sheep, minding his own,
when he noticed a bush that was on fire, but was not being consumed. Curiosity
drew him over and he was told to take off his shoes because he was standing on
Holy Ground. Although, our IT guy might
disagree, the server room is hardly holy ground, but I am reminded that
precious things are often kept in reverent places. To be in God’s presence, is
so very special and he invites us there every hour, every day. Y’all. We have security clearance!
The Lord told Moses, He had heard the cries of the Israelite
children, and it was time to rescue them from Egyptian oppression. Moses was
completely on board. He had seen firsthand that Egyptian oppression 40 years
earlier and had even killed a man over it. Then God told Moses that he would
send him to Pharaoh with a message that it was time to let the people go. Whoa, wait. Me? Yes, you.
Moses was bolder than me because he declared that he
couldn’t and he wouldn’t! But then, God got angry and assured him that he could
and he would. God gave him several miracles that could be used to convince
Pharaoh that he was sent by God. Now, I
understand that that beautiful glass Christmas ornaments and turning a
shepherd’s hook into snake aren’t even on the same level. The point is the
same. God will give you the tools you
need to do thing you are meant to do.
Moses had one more fleeting argument. “I am not a very good
public speaker, Lord.” God had a plan
for that too. He told him to take his friend, Aaron, along to do the talking.
Think about this, Aaron was already in Moses’ circle. Just like my fearless
friend, Jennifer, God often puts people in our lives to complement our
weaknesses and help carry out His will. If we work together we can do great
things. Note to self THIS is the reason that you can’t be good at everything.
Other people need to be blessed and allowed to use their talents, too.
I am sure most readers know the rest of this story, but I
still encourage you to pick up where we are leaving off, in Exodus 3, and read
it for yourself as a reminder that God has a plan. If you aren’t familiar with the story, here is a little
spoiler: God always wins.
Just in case you were wondering, the tree turned out
beautifully. Like Moses, the results were not because of me, but were due to my
willingness and obedience. I was given the supplies and stepped out in faith. I
had the support of a friend with complementary skills. I know many people were
blessed by that tree, because I heard them say so. Someone else might have done
it better, but I was the one that was asked to do it.
I don’t know what God is asking you to do in this new year.
Whatever it is, just know that He is never wrong. He never fails. He is always,
always faithful. Just step out and follow. It will be beautiful.
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| Even unfinished it was beautiful! |
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