Maybe

"
Once upon a time, there was a Chinese farmer who lost a horse.  It ran away.  All the neighbors came around that evening and said, "That's too bad."

And he said, "Maybe."

The next day the horse came back and brought seven wild horses with it.  All the neighbors came around that evening and said, "That's great isn't it!

And he said, "Maybe."

The next day his son, who was attempting to tame one of these horses was riding it and was thrown and broke his leg.  All the neighbors came around that evening and said, "Well, that's too bad isn't it."

And the farmer said, "Maybe."

The next day the conscription officers came around looking for people for the army and they rejected his son because he had a broken leg.  All the neighbors came around that evening and they said, "Isn't that wonderful!"

And he said, "Maybe."

"

When I [Andrew] first heard this parable, I was struck by how much I see life on the surface just as the farmer's neighbors.  If God allows me to go through a terrible day at work, I'm quick to say, "That's too bad."  It's amazing how influenced I can be by outward circumstances.  If everything is going my way, I'm being productive, the kids are behaving, I'm feeling great and feel, "Man, things are awesome!"  I wonder how often God says, "Maybe," to our nearsightedness.  I know God intends to bless us and have us enjoy and be thankful for the things he has created and given us, but how often do we misinterpret his blessings?  Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways.  As the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

When I'm leading two:fiftytwo (our after school program), there are times when I give kids consequences for their behavior.  Over the years, as I'm sure parents do, I've been growing in knowing which of the kids' requests I say yes and no to, depending on what the long-term effects will be on me, them, and the program.  They may not understand why I give a certain answer, and I don't always feel like explaining myself for every little response I give them is necessary or helpful, but I know in some ways what will be best (or at least better) for them.  Is this not how God is with us?  Are we not like children in his eyes, having little to no clue what is around the corner for us?  So, you got a promotion.  Great!  Or will it feed your pride and make you look to your own self for provision and strength and not the Lord?  So, you got in a really bad car accident.  That's a bummer!  Or is God trying to get your attention by bringing you to utter reliance on him for life?

The truth is, I've been a little thrown off since hearing this parable.  I don't want to confuse you and say bad things are actually good and vice versa, but I would urge you to give thanks to God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5) because you may have no idea if God is using manure to have you bear fruit.  Since there's a very good chance you don't have your bible with you as you read this and probably won't get it to look up these verses, let me give them to you right now.

Another parable.  Luke 13:6-9 says, "And he told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.  And he said to the vinedresser, 'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none.  Cut it down.  Why should it use up the ground?  And he answered him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.  Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"  Jesus, has interceded on our (the fig tree's) behalf when we should have been cut down and destroyed.

Challah and Missi at the Family Fall Festival
last year in 2013

There's a family in Brentwood that I've known for most of my time down here.  I've talked about them before in many previous blogs.  This family has been very special to me.  I've been around two of the kids in the family at the after school program.  Currently, Challah is in 5th grade and has been in the program since she was in 2nd grade.  She and her older brother Diallo were able to be a part of our wedding back in June.  Challah was the flower girl and Diallo, an usher.  What to say about Challah.  I have had so many fun experiences just being around her.  I can remember her attempting to read Dr. Seuss while she had duct tape over her mouth.  She and I played a vocabulary game called "Granny's Garden" and we asked questions in our old granny voices.  We were laughing so hard we cried.  Sometimes I get stern with her for no reason and she laughs since she knows I'm just playing around.  She is incredibly friendly and likes to play with the other kids, especially the younger girls.  She used to love playing teacher in 2nd and 3rd grade and this year has had the opportunity to help younger students when they have difficulty with their homework.  In a nutshell, she is a goofball and a ton of fun to be around.  She can get frustrated with her homework and sometimes will keep anyone from helping her or seeing her struggle.  I don't know how big of an impact I've had on this family's life in relation to eternity, but I can say that if I "up and moved" somewhere else, I'd probably miss them most in Jacksonville.  They have felt like family even though they have so many people pouring into their lives.  I feel very blessed and can say, "Isn't that wonderful," without worrying about God replying, "Maybe."

Challah helping with decorations for the Family Fall Festival
at the two:fiftytwo after school program

Please pray that Challah would do well enough in school to go on to middle school next year, that she'd learn more and more about her savior, and that her relationships at school, at home, at church, and in her neighborhood would grow.

Also, please pray for our Family Fall Festival tomorrow from 1-4pm.  This could potentially be the most people we've ever had attend.  Last year was close to a thousand people.  This year we're hoping for 1,200.  There will be hot dogs, giant pickles, boiled peanuts, candy, a trunk or treat, a bounce house, the Jacksonville Jaguars kicker, Josh Scobee will be in attendance signing autographs, and I'll be running the kickball and field games.  Pray that no matter how many people come or whatever weather there is that God would be glorified, and the people of Brentwood would feel loved through all the free and safe fun.

And, finally please pray for me.  I don't want to know God on the surface like I know an acquaintance.  No simple, "How's it going, God?" "Good, how is it with you?"  "Good."  I want to know God's heart for his people more intimately, his heart for those that are lost without him, dead fig trees without his digging and working around their roots.

God loves you, and there's no maybe about that.