Friday, January 10, 2003
Friday, January 10, 2003
O save your people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and carry them
forever.
That's a smart soldier. Are you that smart? Am I? Only two things really matter in this
world--our
relationship with God and our relationships with others. This is true excellence.
(Psalm 28.9
NRSV)
There is a wonderful story of a group of soldiers who were released from prison camp at the
end
of World War II. Because transportation was limited and bad weather threatened to cut off the
port, the remaining soldiers who were to board the last boat were told they could bring only
one
piece of baggage. Two soldiers had been together throughout the war and had looked out for
each other. When one was selected to go and the other was forced to stay behind and wait for
a
later boat, the first man turned over his duffel bag, spilling out all his personal possessions
onto
the ground, then told his friend to step into the bag. He then strenuously lifted the bag onto his
back and carried his most important item of luggage onto the ship--his friend.
Lord Jesus, as I go through my daily tasks, help me to remember the importance of my
relationship with you and your people. Amen.
