She asked me about it this afternoon.
Is it time to get going on that little project yet?
She knows I’ve been thinking about it this week. I told her I was. Thinking about it.
What I really meant was I was thinking about how I was feeling guilty about not doing it.
So, this afternoon, we stood around—the Lovely Lady and I—and talked about the project.
Well? It is what one does.
Oh, I know I could just do the project. When I say we stood around and talked about it, I don’t pretend that there were any special revelations. It was all information I had a firm grasp on already.
Still, I feel better about it now.
I haven’t started the project yet; I’m just not feeling guilty about not starting it. We planned. We organized.
Really. I feel much better now.
Planning and organizing. It’s what we do best.
We are far more competent at discussing the process than we are at actually getting the job done.
Well. I am, anyway.
His followers did it too. You know, the Teacher’s rag-tag group of outcasts and blue-collar laborers. His disciples.
They had a discussion about what to do. This was serious stuff. They needed to wrap their heads around it. What they did was pray. (Matthew 14:13-21)
Well, kind of. They begged their Teacher to fix the problem for them. It was a prayer—of sorts.
These people, Teacher. They need to eat. We need You to take care of this. Send them home. Please.
We call the story: Jesus Feeds Five Thousand. We always have.
It isn’t what happened.
The name of the story is: Twelve Men Feed Five Thousand.
You’re skeptical. I understand that. But, it’s right there in the Book.
He looked at them and said, You feed them. (Matthew 14:16)
You feed them.
And, they did.
They did.
I wonder. Why is it so difficult for us to understand? We know what to do. What keeps us from accomplishing it?
The Teacher told of a wealthy man who prepared an amazing feast. The hall was ready. The food was on the table. All that was missing were the folks who needed to eat. The chairs were empty.
Go out there and give them every reason—every reason—to come and eat. Every person you see. Compel them to come in. (Luke 14:23)
Love compels. It doesn’t sit and write plans. It doesn’t draw flow charts. It doesn’t ask for direction when direction has already been given.
Love compels.
Love compels. It doesn't sit and write plans. Share on X
Love that compels is love that grabs a neighbor by the heart and draws them inexorably to the God who forgives.
Love that compels is love that brushes aside the insult of ten minutes ago and the bitterness of ten years ago and holds tight in an embrace that forces out all but itself.
But, we have to start.
The time to plan has passed.
The time to pray for guidance has passed.
It’s time to act.
Today.
Oh. And, I’ve still got that little project to get started on.
But, I do feel better about it now.
It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.
(Lord of the Rings ~ J.R.R. Tolkien ~ English novelist/educator ~ 1892-1973)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
(2 Timothy 4:7 ~ NLT)
© Paul Phillips. He’s Taken Leave. 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Time to act . . . Yes!
God will lead and guide, but we must be willing to take on those projects He gives to us.
Blessings, Paul!
Paul, Thanks for the gentle nudge to “show” love in our actions,”be” love in our attitudes, and not just talk about it.
I hope after all of this, you have actually made it past the talking stage and started the doing of that project! (that’s my little gentle nudge)
It’s always a pleasure to read your writings.
Thank you, Paul for this inspiring article. I have been wrestling with a decision for about two weeks now. I have a Nells quote: “God sends us the right person at the right time to tell us what we need to hear.” I believe you were that person this time. Great article. Blessings to you.
Well written! This is a great reminder that Jesus blessed the loaves and fish, but the disciples served them. Jesus can bless our efforts, but nothing’s going to happen if we don’t start passing out the bread.
Excellent reminder that if we truly love someone, we will do something with that love! It was love that compelled Jesus to come to this earth, to live and die on the cross for us. It should be that same love that compels us to tell others about Jesus. Thanks for sharing.