let him go?

If Norman Rockwell had Painted it. He would have been in uniform with his duffel over his shoulder the bus waiting; and him turning, for a last glance waving with a shy smile. The doorway and front yard would have been spilling over with teary-eyed flag waving friends and family waving, wishing him well and praying for his safe return. Every sentiment would be illustrated each in the beautifully executed faces of each person chosen to grace the painting.


We cooked hamburgers, sausages and beans, which we forgot about and left sitting on the back burner; we opened wine, chilled beer and soft drinks, and the people came. They were friends and family, some from many years ago and some he had just seen hours ago, it didn't matter they were here to wish him well. People asked when he was leaving and where he would go, for how long..... much was unspoken in his presence. WHY????? and stuff like that. A few folks took me aside to ask how I felt or to offer reassurances. Some told me the stories of their own service or their sons or daughters deployment and the great relief when they came home safely. They shared of the growing up that happens and the maturity. Others were discreetly honest about their doubts . I concluded this is just one of the many things we do during these time as a people and as Americans.

So now it is December 23rd 2011, the tree is up the house is ready for Christmas, brisket and ham are in the fridge ready to be eaten on Christmas Day, new recipes will be baked and too much food will be eaten. And there will be the lingering of Monday at noon when he does more than head out for a new job or go to school far away, he will become an Air Force Special forces soldier. He will still be my son even my little boy in my heart. He will become who he is looking to be, to fulfill his calling.

stop looking for excuses

And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?"

In the book of John Chapter 9 and again in Matthew reference is made to sin being punished by physical affliction in life.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

So many times I am drawn into a discussion about worthiness. Who deserves sympathy or help, to have a bill paid or to be fed, arguing over food, imagine that.... In Jesus time they argued over the right/wrong day to help. "never on the Sabbath" or who was clean enough to help.

My former boss and mentor told me many times over, 1/3 of those in need will never get out because they are incapable; maybe in illness or incapacitation, we must help them, 1/3 of those in need got there through unfortunate circumstances, maybe their own fault maybe not, and they will make their way out...we are called to help them. 1/3 of those in need are working the system, shame on them, but since we don't have a crystal ball we help them too and offer our inadequacy up to God.....

Was this blaming the blind man for his plight not just an excuse to refuse him help, or empathy? Is mankind not drowning itself by constantly complaining about carrying the burden of others sins of blaming rather than fixing the problem...?

We are called to the kingdom of God, are we not, by being of service to each other.