Hello Everyone,
Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ to you.
Have you every been “spittin’ mad” at a situation? Not at a person, though people may be involved, but at what happened or is happening. That is my day today. Several weeks ago my endocrinologist agreed that I should upgrade my insulin pump and “Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)”. After meeting with a Diabetes Nurse Specialist at his clinic a couple of days later, the nurse contacted my pump manufacturer to submit the prescription.
Several days after that I spent 45 minutes on the phone with the manufacturer’s representative as she asked me to describe how my current pump might not be doing its job. I really didn’t have much to complain about except that it was nearly 7 years old and that the warranty ran out three years ago. I am really more interested in the new CGM which will help me get better control. (My glucose control is not bad; I just want to make it better.)
Last Wednesday, I was informed that Blue Cross had approved the new pump/CGM but they didn’t know when it would ship due to some back orders. On Thursday, UPS informed me that they would pick up the package on Friday and I could expect in on Tuesday (yesterday as I write this) and they would need my signature. Well, yesterday I was busy so I knew that UPS would try again today, so I stayed home waiting.
So, today as I am waiting, I go to a back room to print off a form that would help me in transitioning from my old pump to the new. When I was done, I happened to glance out the door to the porch door and I notice a UPS sticker. Assuming it was from Tuesday, I went out and got it only to discover that it was today’s and I had missed the delivery.
Now, here is why I am “spittin’ mad”:
1. I was in the back and didn’t hear the UPS truck arrive or the door knock.
2. The driver had not come onto the porch to knock on my door. Must be a different driver, because the usual one knows to do that.
3. I dawdled while deciding what to do: quickly get dressed (yes, I was still in my PJ’s) and drive around town to try to find the UPS truck or forget about it and wait for tomorrow’s delivery.
4. When I decided to try to call the UPS store in Wadena where the truck was from, I could not quickly find the number.
5. When I found the number the kind gentleman who answered took my information. I now had hope that the driver was still in the area and could return.
6. 20 minutes later a nice lady called from UPS to tell me the driver was too far from Eagle Bend to return today. When I asked if the driver went to Clarissa and that I could catch him or her there, I was informed that she, the driver, went to Parkers Prairie.
Now this may not seem like much, but for some reason this made me mad. All of the “Why” questions raced through my mind (see items 1 to 6 above). I want to blame the driver (that would be easiest to do) and I blame myself. But the reality is this: it happened, it’s over, and the pump will be here tomorrow. I should just get over it.
I really hope you have stayed with me this far because I do have a point. My spirit was not too generous this morning. Generosity and Scarcity aren’t just about money and things, it is also about forgiveness, justice, mercy, and how we treat other. An attitude of scarcity means we won’t give forgiveness, justice, and mercy to others because there is not that much for us to give. If I withhold those things from others then I have my ultimate weapon against them. Last Friday I sent you a link to an online article by Chad Bird, “Burying the Hatchet- Why Forgiving Others Is So Hard Yet So Liberating”. I hope you read it because speaks about being generous in our forgiving.
This week we continue with our series “Moving out of Scare City” Our lessons are:
Isaiah 41:1-10 – In a bit of courtroom drama, the coastlands are called to witness a trial concerning “Who controls history?” The nations of the world should be afraid but Israel should take comfort for God says, “I have chosen you . . . and I am with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9 – “Rejoice in the Lord Always! Again I say, ‘Rejoice!’” Our theme verses.
Luke 12:13-21 – The parable of the rich fool. Jesus warns us to be on guard against all kinds of greed. What kinds of greed are there? Greed for money. Greed for power. Greed for honor. Greed in exacting vengeful justice. Greed in hoarding forgiveness.
Our lectionary readings, without comment, are:
Haggai 1:15b-2:9 with Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 or Psalm 98
OR
Job 19:23-27a with Psalm 17:1-9
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Luke 2-:27-38
Have a great week in the Lord. Generosity of Love should be at the heart of all we do.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor
Peace United Church, Long Prairie
Grey Eagle UMC, Grey Eagle
320-732-2242
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