COFFEE AND DONUTS. THEY GO TOGETHER LIKE LOVE AND MARRIAGE.
Someday I’d like to write a poem and I’d like to start it with the line, “Coffee and donuts, sittin’ in a tree.” I’m not sure where to go from there.
I get that far and all I know is that I want to be in that tree. I confess I’ve had a few too many donuts. Sad to say, the bough on that tree would be bending pretty low about now.
That’s why I decided to go on yet another diet recently. Also, sad to say, I’ve already fallen off the wagon. I’m thinking of putting up a sign that says,
“Please keep body inside the wagon at all times, and please stay seated until the wagon comes to a complete and final stop.”
You know, if someone would think of bringing fudge along on the wagon ride, I would be a lot more motivated to stay on it.
Okay, I suppose a really good friend would probably give me a nudge to stay on the wagon. Nudge or fudge. Tough call on which is best, friendship-wise. In our spiritual lives, we all need a little nudge now and then too.
It’s good to have people in our lives we can count on to nudge us in the right direction, wherever the wagons are heading. As pioneers were settling the west, when they were threatened by an enemy, circling the wagons was part of their defense strategy. The circle provided a protected cover they could get behind to fire at their attackers.
We need to rally with those on this life’s journey in the same way. We have a common enemy.
Peter reminds us to “be alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Circle the wagons! Our church family is part of our defensive plan against our enemy. The next verse in 1 Peter says, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (verse 9). We’re in this together.
Let’s not neglect circling the wagons.
“Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25, AMPC).
I’m so thankful the Lord has placed godly church buds and godly leaders in my path all through my life via the church. People with just the right nudge at the ready. There are pastors, teachers and leaders who stay alert to our spiritual supervision, keeping watch, the Scripture says. And Hebrews 13:17 instructs us to be responsive to them.
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Less burden. More joy.
It’s a good choice. And in other choices, I’m considering choosing to keep the extra 20 pounds and just get myself a bigger wagon. One with really good shocks.
Rhonda, I had to read the coffee/donut/tree excerpt aloud to my husband this morning! You crack me up! – We are so grateful for the people who have been circling the wagon with us the last 10 months since hubby’s leukemia diagnosis, those in our local church and those who have been praying for us from afar. If ever we take our support system for granted, times such as these remind us how much we need each other. Thank you for circling with us. You should be good and dizzy by now! 🙂
Circling alongside you has been a privilege. Praying for you and your hubs. Of course, now with the circling talk, I’m picturing us ice skating lol. Thank you for your testimony and for your encouragement. All the hugs!
Ooooo! I really like that last choice – Keep the extra 20 pounds and get a bigger wagon! So much more practical than giving up fudge. I mean, really! Up until recently, plump was beautiful! Look at all those old masters paintings: Down through history — until Barbie came on the scene — plump ladies were definitely in vogue! You’ve definitely got the right idea, Rhonda. But where on earth does one buy wagons these days??