2 X 4 Experiences

     A dear friend relayed a story about her recent encounter with rule breaking in her school parking lot. I had an opportunity for humility this past week as well while not following the rules of decorum for chain-of-command in my new job. Quite frankly neither of us cherished these growing experiences. In reality, the richness of the situations we put ourselves in, are lessons we can use to move up the mountain of Christian maturity. 

     I joked this week that I learn best and remember longer with "2 X 4" experiences. If your dad wasn't in construction like mine was, you may not know what a 2 X 4 is. It's a piece of wood two inches by four inches wide and varies in length. If you drop a 2 X 4 on your finger or accidentally get whacked in the head by one passing by, you'll remember the experience due to the pain it entails. 

     I know people who are smarter than me and can learn from other people's painful experiences. When I give up my old habits and ways and follow God's direction with obedience and humility, I can often avoid situations of repeated pain. But when I decide I know better or am somehow smarter than God and others...my 2 X 4 is often waiting. 

     Help me Lord to listen to Your Holy Spirit so I can keep under Your umbrella of protection and not expose myself, or others in my circle of influence, to the rain of pain as well. Amen.

The rain on the windshield of the ship blocked our view of the Panama Canal as our shipped passed through. God can be the shield in our lives that protects us from and through the pain that can come and most likely will come into each of our lives. But I guarantee, these "opportunities for growth" are always better when weathered with God.

^{1 Peter 4:12} Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.