We spent the day sifting rocks, pebbles, and sand for concrete. Melting in the sauna like conditions, each of us took turns sifting through the dirt. Rocks are everywhere in Haiti, but we had special loads trucked in for us to sift. One group was sifting through the coarser sand, getting the rocks out of the sand and pebbles. The next group then sorted the sand from the pebbles. Finishing concrete can only have the finest sand in it to allow it to spread the smoothest. The finish work of the Latrine requires the finest sand. But, all of the rocks, pebbles, and sand will be used in this project. Each plays their role.
The temptation to make a parable out of the sorting is great. Even Laura mentioned, that there must be a sermon in there somewhere. But, the are just sand, pebbles, and rocks. The sermon is in the love of people from thousands of miles away who would give of their time and money to make Haitian jobs and strive to re-present the love of Christ to the church and school in Haiti.
Lord, we each play our role. Lord, you are the master sifter. Sort us and arrange us and then use us to your service. Put us to work for your good purpose and empower us to be your people. Break down the walls of our ignorance and indifference to the suffering of our neighbors and help us to love and live out of your abundant grace!
After the halfway point on my walk this morning, heading back towards home, I saw something you don’t see every day. It was a mockingbird chasing a hawk. The hawk was probably five times the size of the mockingbird. But the chase was all in the attitude. The mockingbird was squawking and chirping in a language that would make a sailor blush. The hawk wanted no part of it and was trying the flee but could not get away from the mockingbird. What had the hawk done? What had agitated the mockingbird so much? Had it been a transgression? Was the hawk just too close for comfort? Or did the two have a history. I was walking a bit later than normal and had not yet seen this routine. The unusual scene distracted and entertained me as I reflected on a myriad of permutations. As I’ve felt like the one receiving the squawk most of my life as a leader, I was surprised at how proud I was of the little mockingbird. Maybe ...
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