Log Jam!*

 Photo: Fort Collins Science Center

My father and I were trying to clear the Tuckahoe creek that ran next to his house from a log jam caused by a flood. The creek flowed into the French Broad River which made it a perfect canoe landing place on our property after floating the river.  The creek normally flowed gently and freely, but a flood had made a debris pile that had backed up limbs and small trees washed downstream by the flood waters.  The blockage made the creek unusable for canoes.  My dad and I were in his canoe with a transom and motor on it. We agreed that he would operate the motor if I would hang over the front while wedging my body and legs in the canoe, grab the logs and pull them loose to float them down the creek and into the river. The first few dislodged easily, the next ones were a little more difficult, so we tied a rope to them and attempted to pull them with the canoe. They weren’t moving so I grabbed a hold of each one and began to shake them and yank them loose from the pile as Dad reversed the engine. It worked until one limb that was really jammed in there refused to release. I grabbed it and vigorously began to yank it; Dad would gun the motor as I yanked.  We then perfectly timed his revving and my tug on the limb just right. I gave my best karate k’ihap (this is the guttural shout forcing air from your lungs using your abdomen). I just knew this was going to un-wedge the limb from the pile this time. However, this stubborn branch did not move… but I did, it dragged me right out of the canoe and into the muddy debris filled (and occasionally snakey) water.  I came back out of the water laughing at my silly antics. I was ready to climb back in the canoe and try again, but the motor had also conked out. The rubbish floating in the water jammed the water cooling system and the motor locked up. So, we were done for the day and the logs stayed in the creek. 

As I think about my failed attempt to clear these logs from the creek, I am reminded of Jesus' words to us about being careful when we are offering reckless, unsolicited “accountability” (i.e. judgment) to someone.  “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”(Luke 6:41-42 ESV) Sometimes we become myopic to the log jam of shortcomings and sin in our own life, but we can easily point out the failings of others.  This rarely works for either of us, because we have injured the very relationships that will allow us to remind each other of who we really are in Christ. When we come from a perspective of self-proclaimed superiority, we forget about the reality of our own failings. The truth is - every one of us is messed up and in need of Jesus to make us new and we need each other for encouragement in our faith journey.  I love the way Eugene Peterson’s thought for thought translation of Paul’s letter to new believers in Galatia says, “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. (Galatians 6:1 MESSAGE) 

Listening Wisdom!*

Photo credit: brianeccleshearing.co.uk

At one of my churches, I had arrived on staff with a big celebration. There was a parade with cars, firetrucks, and lights in the yard of the newly renovated parsonage. The congregation gave us a “pounding.” I was a little anxious about this. Because the only poundings I had received were in Middle School by the prevailing bullies at recess. This pounding however, was when they brought you a pound of some staple, i.e. a pound of sugar or flour, a pound of butter, or my kids favorite, a pound of their own breakfast cereal. In spite of the wonderful welcome, the church/pastor honeymoon ended pretty quickly. I had only been at this church for a couple of weeks when two couples were embroiled in a disagreement and they weren’t making any progress on resolution; instead each family was pretty insistent on convincing me to take their side. As a new pastor there, I decided to lean in and invite them all to my office to talk through it one Sunday afternoon. I knew I needed to address this interpersonal conflagration since it had literally disrupted Bible Study that day. I also wanted to include the chairman of deacons, a wise man who could possibly speak some wisdom and peace into this situation. I prayed then called the couples and asked them to meet at my office. They agreed. Then I called the chairman of deacons who lived down the street. He said he would be there. I began to pray that the Holy Spirit would guide our meeting, that our words would be pleasing to the Lord and helpful to reconciliation. Everyone arrived at the church, but somewhere in the mile and a half drive to the church the chairman of deacons had completely lost his voice. He had literally just spoken clearly to me on the phone when he was leaving the house, but he could not talk at all when he arrived. I do not know what happened but apparently he would end up being the example of one who listened well rather than speaking into the situation. I listened and spoke with the couples and we came to some resolutions to their issues… for the moment, because apparently it was a pretty deep seated and painful conflict and would resurface again in a few months.  

When James the half brother of Jesus was trying to help the early church remember how to treat each other now that they belonged to Jesus, he said,  “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NIV) Maybe we should all lose our voice temporarily, be more curious, and be quick to listen when there is a conflict. Jesus himself fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy and remained silent before his accusers at his trial which would ultimately accomplish the salvation of many. He certainly could have spoken and silenced them all. 

Hang in there people! God is glad to be with us! I’m praying for us all!