Genevieve looked up at the sound of the word and realized the speaker was a young man in a white lab coat standing at the nurses' station counter. Then just as she was about to return to her work she glanced up as the man announced in a loud voice "Measles!” Then he continued to write on a patient ’s chart.

Genevieve was puzzled. She'd been a floor nurse at several hospitals over her long career, she’d worked with many physicians and was used to all sorts of personalities but this was something new.

"Tetanus!" The doctor barked the word and then turned to speak to another nurse. She answered him, and then he yelled "Mumps!" and headed up the hall.

"Marie?" Genevieve stepped over to the counter where one of the other nurses was working. "Who was that?"

"Oh, that's Dr. Jones. He's one of the senior residents."

"And why was he talking like that?"

"Oh, he just likes to call the shots around here."

While that was certainly a unique approach that doctor was demonstrating a natural human desire to be in control. That’s something we all want and we usually think it’s particularly important in our spiritual lives.

After all, it’s comforting when we feel we’re in control. For when we know what's going to happen in our lives we’re more confident and secure - or at least we think so. If we know what’s coming then certainly we’ll be ready for whatever happens. No surprises! We won’t suddenly be presented with unexpected major life changes like illness, financial reversals or even a family crisis. If we knew it all we’d be ready because nothing would happen we didn’t know about in advance.

Yet we know that’s not possible, and that's where our faith in God comes in. For if we believe that God is in total control of whatever happens to us then it's reassuring to know that He not only knows what's happened, but has planned all solutions and has provided for all we'll need as we live through the experience. Moreover at the same time He’s providing we’re hopefully learning the lessons He wants to teach us, as well as realizing the undeniable truth that we’re really better off when we release control and let God call the shots.

Dr. Wampas folded his hands on the desk and carefully regarded the new patient, "Well, let’s see what we can do. Did you say you were having a strange dream?”

"Yes, but actually it’s two dreams. In one I'm a teepee, and the next one I've become a wigwam. Or it's the other way around - first I'm a wigwam and then a teepee. You've got to help me, Doc!"

Dr. Wampas nodded slowly. "Now that I know what you're dreaming I can help you. Your problem is that you're two tents."

Whether it’s an occasional nervousness or a constant sense of anxiety, tension is something we’d love to lose. Yet perhaps it’s most frustrating when it affects our spiritual walk, for if we’re anxious or worried then we can’t concentrate on following or serving God. Though there are various causes of tension, one major reason for our anxiety may be because we’re fearful about what has yet to occur. We might be concerned about the far future or just the next few days but no matter what it is it’s often because we’re not in control and that can be scary. So we may become tense and anxious because of the uncertainty.

So how do you handle it? I got my answer to this problem when I was browsing some time ago in a Christian bookstore where I found a bumper sticker that said simply. “Do not fear tomorrow. God is already there.” And that’s the answer. For if we don’t know the future then He does – and He’s in control. So while it isn’t always easy, I try to replace the tension and fear with faith. As the old saying goes: ‘When fear knocked, faith answered – and there was nothing there!”

“Okay, get him up to the bell room and get started.” The pastor returned. “We’re due to start the church anniversary service in a short time and the bell ringing is an important part of it.”

Gerald, as church sexton or building manager, met the substitute bell ringer in the parking lot where the newcomer had a request. “I have to go up the tower and see the bell before I go into the bell room and start pulling the rope.”

“But our regular bell ringer doesn’t do that.” Gerald told him.

“Maybe not, but it’s what I have to do. If I can’t check out the bell then I can’t ring.”

Since he realized that the bell was a vital part of the upcoming special church anniversary, Gerald had no choice but to agree.

“There’s the bell rope.” Gerald pointed to the length of strand dangling from the ceiling as they entered a side room off the narthex. “And here’s the door to the bell tower.” He opened a narrow door along one wall.

They began the slow trek up the winding steps and since it was a steep climb both Gerald and the substitute were short of breath by the time they got to the top. They emerged out on the platform that circled the bell flanked by arched and railed openings in the surrounding wall. Gerald was first up the steps with the huffing and puffing substitute following.

“I guess I’m not used to that sort of climb.” He panted. “I’ll just rest a moment…”

However, just then he wobbled a bit, and then fell into face forward right into the bell! “Bong!” The ringing sound was soft as the man crumpled to the floor.

Gerald called for help on his cell phone and soon the paramedics were scurrying up to the bell tower. They determined the substitute was apparently just stunned but as a precaution they helped him down the stairs to the ambulance for a more thorough checkup. Then as one medic checked the man over the other talked to Gerald.

“We’ve got to fill out a report.” He said. “What’s his name?”

“You know, I never asked him.” Gerald then got an idea. “But his face rings a bell.”

That’s silly of course but just as Gerald didn’t recognize whom he had encountered I sometimes do the same when I don’t recognize God at work in my life. Of course I know He’s always providing for all my needs and if I don’t interfere He guides and directs me too. Yet while I know that often I forget to look for this guidance and provision, so He may use some experience to nudge me in such a way that I can only recall how He is involved in my life. However, while I serve Him best when I’m both aware of His presence and follow His will for me, even if I fail to do so His care continues. For it depends not on me but on Him - the omnipotent God who loves me.

The President paused, squinted and then took a step nearer. “Are you Moses?” He asked.

The man glanced at him, but looked up at the ceiling and said nothing.

“Say, aren’t you Moses?” The President stepped closer.

The bearded man shifted the tablet a bit and continued to look at the ceiling.

But the president wasn’t going to give up. He got closer and even reached out to tap the man on the shoulder. “Please –I want to know. Aren’t you Moses?”

The other man sighed and grimaced. “Yes, I am.”

“I thought so. But why wouldn’t you admit it?”

“Look,” Moses shifted the tablets under his arm as he poked a finger at the President’s tie. “The last time a bush spoke to me I ended up in the wilderness for 40 years!”

Of course that’s just a silly story but in a way I can feel like Moses when I accept a new task or challenge from God and like Moses I never know what it might personally involve. Will I have to change something in our lives? Refrain from something I’ve been doing? Or even struggle a bit? Of course the original Moses did not try to evade God’s challenge and because he did Israel became a nation. Yet while we’ll never do that who’s to say that our assuming God’s work might not make a great difference to someone? And of course, like he was with Moses, God is constantly with us, guiding, providing and forgiving when necessary.

Say, are you trying to evade any burning bushes?

“That’s a bull!” He gasped. “And he’s seen us! Let’s get out of here!”

Their only chance was to make a dash for the fence on the other side of the field, and they wasted no time as the bull began to trot nearer. Clyde ventured a glance over his shoulder to see that their pursuer had stopped trotting toward them and was now pawing the ground, and lowering his head, before he dashed after them.

“We won’t make it!” Clyde shouted as he put on an extra burst of speed. “He’s coming! We’ve got to pray!”

“Don’t know how to pray!” Horace puffed as he ran. “You do it!”

Clyde had to think fast! His mind raced back to recall any prayers he might remember. However, the only prayer he could recall was what his father used to say at the dinner table. The words flowed back: “For what we’re about to receive, Lord make us truly grateful!”

That’s silly of course but on a more serious note while we may not encounter any bulls can we truly be grateful to God for everything that happens to us?

And that’s the hard word – everything. Of course it’s not hard to thank Him for the good things in our lives – the wonderful friends, family and all our pleasant experiences, but how can I be grateful for the not so pleasant times? After all, I’ve occasionally struggled and suffered at times. How can I be grateful for that?

Though it may seem difficult I can actually be grateful for hard times when I consider what I’ve learned through those struggles. Perhaps even when I didn’t always trust Him in a difficult situation I did see Him in action and that in itself was a lesson for next time. Perhaps I did trust Him when I was under pressure and by doing that I found that I grew spiritually and became a different and better person. Or perhaps through my problems I found I could help someone in a similar situation. These were all lessons I might not have learned any other way. Can I thank God for that?

On this particular day Myron paused at the entrance of the theater then stepped aside to make room for the incoming crowds, eager to see the classic film that would soon begin.

Myron started down the aisle in the semi-darkness; his flashlight throwing a narrow beam of light on both sides, making sure everyone got seated properly.

However, he had gone only two thirds of the way to the front when his light revealed something unexpected. It was a man, occupying not one seat but three. Yet he was not seated, but instead was sprawled over the three seats in the middle of the row, his face bearing a grimace as he wiggled slowly and moaned in a low voice.

Myron was irritated. He was expecting a full house and this man taking up three seats wasn’t helping.

“Sir, you can’t take up three seats like that!” Myron stepped into the row and played his light on the sprawled figure. “You’ll have to sit up straight. Your ticket only entitles you to one seat.”

The man groaned and writhed a bit.

“Now, come along, sir, ”Myron insisted. “You just can’t lay there like that. Didn’t you ever learn any manners? Where are you from anyway?”

The man turned a pained face toward the manager. “The balcony.”

We’ve all encountered people who on the surface may seem entirely content and secure, but then we learn that underneath they’re struggling with something we don’t see. Maybe they have an unseen disability, or might be dealing with an emotional or spiritual struggle that they hide while they put on a cheerful face.

Perhaps they’re keeping it hidden because they don’t want to be treated with pity, or maybe they’ve become weary of explanations or maybe they just don’t want to have people be ill at ease in not knowing how to respond to them. Or maybe they just want to be accepted for who they are despite the underlying problem.

And that’s exactly the way God sees them – and how we should also. If they’re relying on God with their situation then they know He’s in control and they’re trusting Him with their struggle. Or if they have not discovered God then perhaps our accepting nonjudgmental attitude may well be an opening to letting them see how God can help them

Hidden difficulties – not easy but manageable, especially with God in control.

The applause had begun to fade as Mother, Dad and small Christopher emerged from the church auditorium after the Christmas pageant. The annual program, a major production with elaborate costumes, intricate sets and involved choral arrangements was very impressive so as they left the church, Mother and Dad enthusiastically discussed the production. Thus they didn’t hear Christopher’s question.

“Mommy, did the shepherds have a washing machine?”

”That pageant was so well done!” Mother said, and then became aware Christopher was jerking her hand. By now they were out the front door, pushed forward by the exiting crowds. Christopher repeated his question.

“Did the shepherds have a washing machine?”

Above the noise of the crowds, Mother finally bent down to hear him. “What do you mean?”

Christopher was intense. “I mean they had to have had a washing machine. And maybe a dryer. And they must have had really clean socks.”

“ I don’t understand.” Mother asked. “Where did you get an idea that the shepherds had a washing machine for clean socks?”

”It was in the song the angels sang to the shepherds.” Christopher insisted.

Mother was still puzzled but it was Dad who solved the problem. “I think he means the song ‘While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night”.

Those shepherds may not have been doing their laundry but they were definitely involved in their regular routine when the angels appeared to them.

And it’s the same with us today. For while we probably won’t be receiving any angelic visitors we can also experience God’s presence in our lives and like with the shepherds it will usually be during our regular routine, and not under any special circumstances. After all, when He seeks to challenge us God doesn’t need the extraordinary - the ordinary does just fine.

“Today, we’re going to draw pictures of the Nativity scene when Jesus was born ” The Sunday school teacher told her students.

As the young artists set to work, the teacher looked at their pictures, commenting and encouraging. Finally she came to Johnny’s picture.

“This is very nice, Johnny, I see you have Mary, Joseph and the baby- but who’s that?” She pointed to a fat man in the corner of the picture.

Johnny announced. “Oh, that’s Round John Virgin.”

Johnny was obviously confused, but often even we adults are confused about Christmas - and it’s usually because we have a tendency to become so involved with the festivities and celebration we forget the real meaning of what Christmas.

Is Christmas just a chance to be with loved ones and receive presents? Or is it just the festive lights, glowing trees, and inspiring music? Of course it’s all those things, but mostly we really know that Christmas is the coming of Christ and the love and salvation He offers.

Sharing the Load

Demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit that was unusual for Dimwit Junction, Dimmies George, Henry and Rufus decided to start their own business – in this case a moving company. They acquired a ramshackle truck, advertised a bit and eventually received their first job. She was Mrs. James, an older widow with many antiques who planned to move to a smaller home.

As they arrived their employer gave them a tour of her house, pointing out the items they were to move.

“What’s this?” Rufus asked Mrs. James, as they entered the last room and he indicated a large cabinet that flanked one wall.

“That’s a wardrobe. Years ago when some people didn’t have closets they’d hang their clothes in this.” She opened the door to reveal a rod spanning the width of the cabinet and complete with a dozen dangling empty hangers.

After they’d seen what they were to do, George, who had appointed himself the foreman, gave instructions. “We’ll each take one of the smaller pieces and then we’ll work together on the big ones.”

They set to work and when all the smaller pieces were in the truck they turned to the larger pieces that would require all of them. Then they were finally ready to move the massive wardrobe Rufus had asked about.

Henry and George each took an end of the cabinet but it was so heavy even when both of them tried they couldn’t lift it.

“I don’t remember this being so heavy when we first saw it.” George complained. “And where’s Rufus – he should be helping us.”

“I am!” Came a muffled voice. Henry opened the cabinet doors to find Rufus inside the wardrobe, scrunched against the wall.

“ Rufus! What are you doing in there?” Henry demanded.

“I’m helping.” Rufus responded. “I’m holding on to the hangers here to keep them from rattling together.”

If those guys found their work harder because there was an “inside problem” then it’s much the same when I have a difficulty in the middle of my service for God. And it usually happens when I’m the “inside problem” and I’m doing something that’s making the job more difficult. My interference might take various forms: perhaps I worry needlessly about the outcome, or perhaps I’m adding my own ideas to God’s directions – a tact that can only hamper his already perfect plans. Yet whatever it is I’m doing I’ll never make any progress or serve him until I stop being the “inside problem” by ceasing to worry, forgetting my own ideas and getting busy with his help to complete the task as he directs.

The Brewing Situation

Mike looked out from behind the counter of his coffee shop and surveyed his customers. He’d just opened here in Dimwit Junction a few days before and while he’d been warned about the local residents he’d not found them unusual. Some had said that the residents (called Dimmies) were dumb and others said they just had a unique way of thinking, but all he knew was that they loved coffee, drinking it in the shop and taking it out. In fact he anticipated a sale when a young woman came up carrying a thermos.

He smiled a welcome. “Good morning! You’re new here, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I’m Harriett.” She answered. “Actually I’ve started a new job at the office next door and the other employees asked me to come over and get them coffee for their break.” She looked sheepish. “I’ve never done this before and I want to get it right”.

“I understand,” Mike smiled. “Now how can I help you?”

Harriett held up the thermos. “I thought if I put the coffee in this it would be easier to carry. Is this big enough to hold six cups?”

Mike took the thermos and examined it. “I think it would be. Now what do need?”

Harriet brightened. “Oh, good, then give me two with cream, two black and two decaf.”

Harriett certainly had come up with what she thought was a perfect way to deal with a situation, and that’s exactly what often happens occasionally when I come up with what seem like great ideas and solutions for my current God-directed task. Of course I should be careful to identify and then follow God’s plans, not mine, but what I’ve thought up often seems just as good or even superior. Of course, that’s silly because my imperfect plans could never be superior to his perfect ones.

So what to do? That’s easy- abandon my own ideas and get back to his – for his glory and my benefit.

Passing Justification

The old man sighed and looked out of the stagecoach window at the same scenery he’d been watching for the last several hundred miles. Nothing had changed – it was the same dust, the same wide expanse of waving grass, and the same countless ruts that sent the coach rocking. The only variation was the occasional coyote and rabbit that shied off the road at the rumbling approach of the vehicle.

The coach threw up a cloud of gritty dust, causing the old man to pull back from the window and wipe his sweaty brow with an already grimy handkerchief. Then aside from the familiar rattle of the coach and the pounding of the horses’ hooves, he thought he heard something else. He leaned forward to look out the window to locate the new sound.

What he saw was an approaching horseman, at first obscure and then as the figure came closer the old man could see the broad brimmed hat and the flapping leather chaps that identified the rider as a cowboy.

The newcomer was now nearly abreast of the coach and the old man could see the man was intent on catching up to them.

Just then the old man became aware of another set of pounding hoofs coming from the other side of the coach, and he turned to see another horse coming up on the opposite side of the stage, but this animal was riderless!

Just then on the other side, the cowboy pulled open the door, thrust himself off his horse and into the coach! Then he slammed the door behind him, scrambled over to the other door, flung that door open and jumped astride the other horse!

The old man slid over to crane his neck to see the cowboy was now reining the second horse away from the coach, but before he rode out of the sight, the old man shouted: “What’re you doing?”

The cowboy swung around in the saddle and shouted back. “Nothing! It’s just a stage I’m going through!”

That’s silly of course but at least the cowboy had an interesting excuse, and speaking of excuses they certainly come in handy when we’re trying to avoid responsibility for something we’ve done or not done! “Going through a stage”? Good enough! Or if that doesn’t work there’s lots more – such as “I forgot!” or “I didn’t have time!” or even the favorite one of kids for not turning in their homework – “The dog ate it!” Indeed, excuses are certainly easy to make and may even save us from having to follow through with what we should do, yet the sad thing is that when we make excuses it doesn’t really get us anywhere and especially when we’re making excuses to God.

For when I do that in my service for him then I’ve really accomplished nothing and in the process I’ve remained spiritually stagnant. So where’s the benefit in that? To me or to God?

Of course, there is none and if I’m really wise when I realize it and learn that when it comes to avoiding God’s service – there’s no excuse.