Eastertide
May 20, 2014

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:5-12 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
   and do not rely on your own insight….
My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
   or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves the one he loves,
   as a father the son in whom he delights.— Proverbs 3:5, 11-12

The scripture today does not say that your own insights are bad, or good for that matter. Rather, it implies that we need to have a means to test our insights for their veracity. When we hold our thoughts and feelings up to the light of the Lord we gain clarity.

Many years ago I was in a meeting with five or six people, including my immediate supervisor and a man who seemed to be dedicated to putting me in my place at every turn. I believed it was because he did not think women should serve in roles of authority. I believe today that that was an accurate analysis and, in all honesty, I think my supervisor agreed with me. My adversary not only was direct in his attacks but also used subtle body language and other passive/aggressive behavior to make his point. At this meeting while I was making a very important presentation, he got up from his chair and proceeded to pace back and forth behind me and to my left. It was very distracting and I finally called him by name and said, “Would you please sit down.” He did. Afterward my supervisor told me, in the privacy of his office, that this was the man’s first day back after having serious hemorrhoid surgery. It was still painful for him to sit.

I learned an important lesson that day about not generalizing insights and not letting my own insecurities interfere in my ability to love all of my neighbors as I love myself. I also learned the value of timely and very wise words spoken by one who cared enough about me to help me grow professionally.

Prayer: God who is Love, thank you for loving me so much that you discipline me when I need it. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.