The empty Manger

We are so accustomed to hearing the word 'manger' only around Christmas time, but in today's reading from Proverbs we note that it pops up again.

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests." - Proverbs 14:4

What Proverbs is referring to is when there are no animals to work the fields, then the manger/crib/trough will be empty. This is not speaking about the feeding trough of the animals, but rather the collection of the food that is stored in the manger. 

The second half of the proverb then reminds the listeners that when you have oxen to plough the fields, then there will be a harvest in the right season. The strength of the working animals helps the farmers to get their work done and so secure food for their future. There is a lovely synergy between the farmer and his animals. They both depend on each other. 

I couldn't help relating the huge impact of Covid-19 on the ability of people to work at the moment. Although we are slowly moving down the stages of Lockdown, there are still many millions of people who are not able to work. And when there is no one working, then families are experiencing 'empty' mangers.

Let us pray that people are soon able to get back to work and provide the 'harvests' for their families.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

What do you do?

Most of us have been in this situation before. We are at a function (wedding, birthday, Reunion etc) and we meet some new people. Usually within the first minute the conversation ends up with someone asking, "So, what do you do?"
In my case, this is normally a conversation 'crasher' or 'starter!' The people that are clearly not interested in God, suddenly develop a need to run to the toilet or find their car keys and the conversation crashes. I am left standing thinking to myself, "I am sure I said I am a Pastor, not a leper!"

Anyway, on the other hand, some people are genuinely interested in what happens in the 'ministry' and we end up speaking at length about life and faith.

Here is a tip. Next time someone asks you what you do, tell them, "I help other human beings!" They will look at you with a confused stare and then share the next quote with them...

"There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being - to help someone succeed." - Alan McGinnus

We can all do this. This should be one of our primary occupation's, without neglecting our imperative to tell people of the Gospel of Jesus.

Luke 10:37 - The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

So, what do you do?

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Best and worst jobs

In today's paper they included an interesting article on 20 of the best and worst jobs to have in 2010. While I realise that they are only the opinion of some researchers, they do make intriguing reading. I will just include the first five...

Best jobs
1. Actuary
2. Software engineer
3. Computer systems analyst
4. Biologist
5. Historian

Worst jobs
1. Roustabout
2. Lumberjack
3. Iron worker
4. Dairy farmer
5. Welder

As a Pastor I fit into neither the top 20 best or worst jobs. Go figure!

Whatever work you do, let's consider ourselves blessed to have work. Perhaps we could learn from Paul in terms of our attitude towards our work.

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3

Photo thanks to www.bigfoto.com