Dinnertime in my neighborhood as a kid was anywhere from 5-7, depending
upon when your father got home from work. And dinnertime always seemed to come
at the least opportune time. Like when you are finally beating the kids on the
next street over at kickball, and you get called to leave. And they invoke some
unknown rule, that unless you have the same amount of players, the game doesn't
count. Or better yet, they feel generous, and give you the fat kid that stunk
at kickball just to even things out. Or it doesn't count, or worse yet you
forfeit. You didn't listen when called, it would take the sister telling you
dinner was or ready which was always a big surprise to you. "Tell them I'm
coming," as you awaited her return visit. "Mommy's putting the food on the
table," not yet quite the encouragement needed. "Daddy says now," was more
serious, but when your friends would say, "Here comes your dad," it was
serious. Dads had that kind of power. In our neighborhood, there was the ever
present threat of the belt for disobedience. Some fathers would threaten, some
would reach for the buckle, and one dad in particular came out swinging it. And
with the unwritten law amongst dads that we all could get a whipping, a
reciprocal agreement where someday your dad could beat them, we quickly obeyed
and went home. Many times speeding past my Dad on my Schwinn, well outside of
the scope of the belt.
One such instance was when Ricky's dad came out and swung his belt chasing
Ricky into the house. "Get in the house," he yelled-with the belt coming down
hard on Ricky's bottom. We all froze in fear, for we all could be next.
"Better go home boys," and we did. We all felt for Ricky as we had all been
there, and just as dads had this reciprocal spanking agreement, we also had an
agreement to back our friend, and not remind him of the public licking he took.
Certain rules never need be spoken.
And so as I watch the NFL on four days a week now, remember when Sunday
afternoons meant football, they run an ad for Play 60. Encouraging kids to go
out and play at least 60 minutes a day. Growing up that would have been a
penalty, "whattya mean I gotta go out for 60 minutes?" It is like a man
explained once about the minimum wage-to him it meant that's all I have to pay.
And to many parents, 60 minutes is enough. "OK, you've done your time, go veg
in front of your TV or video game." And recently certain libraries have banned
snack foods in them, not for weight control, but it seems Cheetos leave a stain
on the computer keyboard. Try that one in my neighborhood, playing meant
outside with friends, with only the threat of dinner interrupting, and then
continued after your five minute food intake and time well spent with your
parents.
Outside meant out of the house, whether in your friend's basement or in the
street-it meant not being home, and we all wanted to go out and play. I find a
similar call in church, where we all want to go out and minister. But few want
to go out, you mean out there? When I first got saved I had been told that you
had to go to Africa and be a missionary, and I don't speak African! How
comforted I was to hear that was an Urban Legend, that plenty of help was needed
here locally. But still it takes getting out. For some a night out helping at
a nursing home, for others feeding the homeless. For some helping street kids
rebuild old motorcycles, and for some staying home and cooking, then delivering
to someone who is shut in. It takes all types, but it takes getting out-when
called. And we all know when God calls and we say no how miserable we can
feel. Or how excited we get when He calls and we say yes-and the blessings come
back to us as we go out to bless. But sometimes it takes motivation, like an
extra trip from my sister, or finally my Dad showing up. Let's call it
encouragement, or persuasion-friendly, I like that better. And it seems God
calls when I am least prepared. The important thing is that if He calls, He
already has the plan, the supplies, and will do what needs to be done, despite
you. It is almost like He is offering you a blessing, and you say no. "Sorry
God, I've had enough grace today. Can we get together on some rainy day when I
can't ride?" Sound far fetched, we all have our own set of excuses. Losers
have excuses, Christians have testimonies. Not enough blessings, try saying yes
to God.
Jesus tells us the harvest is plentiful, but the workers few. I have heard
many complain about the extra work because of the laziness of those called, but
who say no. Until God reminded me one day, the more work, the more blessings.
And so I choose to be blessed. Call it time well spent. And without fail the
time passes quickly, and you are less tired than if you stayed home resting in
front of the TV. So when God calls, obey. He may not send you to Africa, a
sigh of relief to me, but He may have you watch some kids. Share with some
teens, listen to an unwed mother. He may have you do something as simple as
baking cookies for your kid's friends. Or letting them stay up late talking,
less rules mean less penalties because less rules are broken. Keep ministry
simple-feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit those who can't get
out, and be friendly to strangers. Put down your cross, and pick up the one
Jesus has to offer. Lighter and less burdensome-but you must respond when
called.
How many of my favorite dinners were eaten cold when I failed to arrive on
time. The extra Oreos and Devil Dogs never made up for it. Only to be repeated
the next day, the next week, and the next month. Cookies, candy, chips,
pretzels, and Coke are not the best food groups. So when God calls, answer.
Let Him bless you, while you bless others. Whether excitedly, or being dragged
kicking and screaming, go with God. Maybe the "Jesus has a plan for you"
includes more than enduring a Sunday sermon. When your heavenly Father calls,
it is always best to answer quickly.
For you never know when you might be the one called home, and you certainly
would not want to miss that! And extra Oreos for those who hear the call of God
and obey. For the rest of you, its either the belt or no dinner. Only Jesus
offers provide an escape from the pain. Truly obedience is better than
sacrifice. "But Dad," God hears from us. Imagine the smile on His face when
we say "Coming Dad." Don't miss the chance to make your parents, or God smile
today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com