We are not what you would call hardy campers. We prefer all the amenities; beds, electrical and water hookups, sewer dumping, TV, WiFi. This softer, more glamorous version of camping is often termed ”glampimg.”
Our little RV is a well-equipped pod of comforts. We have a galley with sink, cooktop, microwave/convection oven; refrigerator and freezer; onboard water tanks. The comfortable beds give a great night‘s sleep. And, perhaps most importantly, there’s a fully functioning bathroom.
One of the best features is a series of three lithium batteries that store enough power to keep all of that going when no other electricity is available. We actually spent one cold, wet night in Memphis using only onboard resources. So, sure, we could dry-camp at some remote, off-road location ... but that’s just not how we roll.
For this trip, we had packed sleeping bags in addition to our usual bedding. We brought warmer sleep attire and thick socks. Our daytime clothing had extra layers, GoreTex exteriors, and head protection. All of that should have given us weather confidence, and it did ... right up until we came face-to-face with 20°F and 50 MPH, heat-sucking winds. We had expected cold, but not that much cold. That icy plunge was the end of our confidence, and the end of our glamping fun.
Suddenly, we were freezing!
We cranked our heater up to full blast; we could feel the hot air pouring in through the vents. But the inside temp just kept falling. Even with our extra layers, we were feeling quite chilly. Where was the heat going?! Were we losing heat through the doors? Did we have inadequate insulation? Every window and vent was suspect.
How was this possible? Hadn’t we properly prepared?
Interestingly, preparation is one of the themes in this week’s scriptures. Or should I say, the lack of preparation? When you read them, you will note they all reference actions God will take (or allow); some that seem very positive and some that seem very negative. In one instance, Jesus tells of a time when believers will be persecuted. He explains that, while these are negative events, they provide the opportunity for believers to testify. And then He addresses preparation, instructing us to “...make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance....”
It seems a strange instruction; to not prepare, especially since Jesus has just revealed a piece of the future. Once we know what is coming, or think we do, it is usual to prepare for it. As with the weather, we only have a good guess about what is coming. Yet, not only do we prepare based on an educated guess, we train up our children to prepare in much the same way. It’s kind of a main thing for us. In fact, we are puzzled by folks who don’t prepare, especially when what is coming could impact them negatively.
And yet, scripture is clear: God will do as God intends, regardless of our preparations. They cannot change what is going to happen; they can only limit the impact. In the case of our camping trip, we had done all we could have done to prepare. It just turned out that the actual events were beyond the reach of our preparations. No, we didn’t freeze ... but we were very, very cold. What we did ... was get through it.
If things like this can happen to us in our day-to-day living, it should be no stretch to believe larger, spiritual events are well beyond our preparations.
So, should we just sit down, fold our hands, and wait to see what happens? No. That’s another thing covered in this week’s scriptures. We can’t just remain passive in the events that impact our lives. Idleness is not the answer. Neither is giving up. We can’t just stop because we face what seem to be insurmountable odds.
So, what are we, God’s people, to do?
Live in imitation of believers who have gone before. Trust that God will provide what is needed, and ask for the wisdom to recognize that provision when it comes. Know that when we need to speak, God will provide the words we need. Go about our lives. Work and “do not be weary in doing what is right.”
There is something bigger going on here, and we are to be active participants. No matter what comes our way, we cannot allow ourselves to be frozen.
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PHOTO: Steve Orr
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 28 (33) (November 17, 2019)
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu//texts.php?id=289
Isaiah 65:17-25
Isaiah 12
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
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Friday mornings are pleasant breaks for those of us who attend DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast. We gather at 8:00 at Our Breakfast Place (formerly the Egg and I restaurant) for good food and a Bible feast. We learn from each other as we discuss the scriptures that will form the basis of the coming Sunday’s sermon. It’s like nothing else.
There’s no need to prepare. Just come as you are.
Blessings,
Steve
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