Pentecost +20

No, No, No, I Don't Want To! That was the title of Elizabeth's+ sermon this morning. Two sons are asked by their father to work in his vineyard. The first child says No, I don't want to but eventually does while the second son say I will go sir, but never shows up. Jesus asks the Chief Priests which son did what his Father wanted? This reminded me of the following story:

As I was driving out of town the other day I reached over to grab something from the passenger side floor. Was I surprised when I pulled up a $10 bill. Nothing makes me happier than to find money I didn't know I possessed!!! So after completing my "happy-i-found-my-money" dance & placing my cash on the passenger seat I noticed the light ahead was turning red.As I slowed down I noticed a man standing on the corner. OH NO! He was holding a placard with the words "VietNam Vet. Will Work for Food"....My first thought? "GOD MAKE THIS LIGHT TURN GREEN". (I didn't say it was a good or kind thought but i'm trying to be honest here.) Needless to say it was the longest red light I have ever sat through! My inner dialogue went something like this:

me: i am not giving that man my $10.
the voice: why not?
me: because i just found it!
the voice: who do you think gave you the thought to reach over there?
me: i'm not going there with You.
the voice: chuckle - then that light will never turn green.
me: but he'll probably just waste the money - look, the liquor store is right over there!
the voice: is what he does with the $10 any of your business?
me: well....no....WHY DOESN"T THIS LIGHT TURN GREEN!
the voice: we already covered that one. two minutes ago you didn't even know you had $10. and now you are clinging to it. what's that about?
me: hmmm...good point....why am i clinging to it? because of my grasping nature i suppose....good grief....what is wrong with me? (as i rolled down the window the man reached in, took the money, and said "God Bless You Dear" at which point the car behind me started honking)
the voice: um, roberta, the light changed....you really should get moving.
me: very funny!
the voice: and thank you....
me: for what?t
he voice: for being you. i do so love you!
me: likewise :)

Elizabeth+ reminded us today that Jesus is not interested in our getting all the answers right, but in how we deal with "the realization that I didn't get it right.... Every time we change our minds from NO to YES, however long it takes us to do it, every time, we are in the company of Jesus, our Savior, our Brother, and our God."