PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

October 23, 2024

ALL WE SAY AND DO

Saturday, October 15^th, I attended a foundation and membership seminar sponsored by District 6540 of Rotary International.  As we were gathering Dan Ryan, district foundation chair, shared with me the following illustration that he is using this year as a part of his presentation to Rotary clubs in the district.

For years a man had worked for a construction company building homes.  He was known by the quality of his work.  Unfortunately, his enthusiasm and commitment had started to wane.  As the man was completing his last home, he failed to give attention to details in accordance with his past practice.  The work was shoddy and sloppy.  He just wanted to get the house done so that he could retire.

The day came when the house was finished.  He went to the construction office for the last time.  He was surprised that the owner of the company was there to greet him.  After thanking him for all of his years of outstanding service, he handed him the keys to the house that he had just finished.  To show their appreciation for his work, they were giving it to him as a retirement present.

In the afternoon Cliff Van Guilder from Nappanee began his presentation by asking the following question.  There were five frogs sitting on a log.  Four decided to jump off.  How many frogs were left?

The immediate response was “one.”  On further reflection the answer “five” began to surface.  There is a big difference between deciding to do something and actually doing it.  An old proverb puts it this way: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Cliff Van Guilder presentation had to do with Rotary club memberships.  Most of the clubs in District 6540 would like to grow.  Some have even made the decision to growth.  Unfortunately, very few have taken the steps necessary for grow to take place.  They are still sitting on the log.

Jesus would seem to be making a similar point in the following parable.  “A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’  He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went.  The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, ‘I go, sir’; but he did not go.  Which of the two did the will of his father?”  (His audience) said, “The first.” (Matthew 21:28-30)

The things we say and do every day are helping to create our future.  Even though sometimes they seem to have little relevance for us personally, the things we say and do can have unforeseen consequences.  Our future can also be determined by what we don’t say and do.  How often as we reflect upon our own personal story do we murmur to ourselves, “If I only would have done or said such and such?  What a difference it would have made.”

Each day has its unique opportunities and possibilities.  We can never get it back.  What we say and do can have life-long consequences.  Each day is a gift from God for us to which we should give our best.

(This article was originally published October 23, 2011.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)