My Bible study partner got married this week and he and His bride are heading to Alaska for a nice weeklong cruise and then on to Hawaii (Maui) for another week for their honeymoon. As I contemplate another sweltering hot Mississippi day I must admit I’m somewhat envious of the better climate they will soon enjoy.
I was thinking about this as I was riding down the road in my air-conditioned truck to take my trash to the dumpsters and I passed a row of shanty homes. The occupants of these homes were for the most part sitting outside on their porches staring at anyone driving down the gravel road. I did not see but a couple of air conditioning units on the dilapidated unpainted homes and it is nauseating thinking of fighting the heat without it.
When I waved at them they ignored me and just sullenly stared at me as though somehow it was my fault that they were stuck on those porches. I was driving a not so old pickup truck and it appeared that somehow I was the bad guy for having a vehicle that was reliable enough to start. I could feel the hatred and animosity as I slowly drove down the road. I thought what did I do to them? I assumed they felt they were entitled to everything I enjoyed in life.
Hmmm…That doesn’t work in this world. I remember being homeless, penniless, and completely alone at 24 years old. No one helped me or would give me the time of day. I landed the most menial job in a 17-acre paint plant. Undaunted, I was the first one to work every day and the last to leave. I worked very hard and smart to get promoted time and again and ultimately made it into plant management. I was the only person without a degree to do that and I attribute it to hard work. Eventually I started my own underfunded company on a shoestring and was able to fight and claw my way to success going on to start several other successful businesses.
I didn’t know if my forefathers had been slaves or indentured servants and could have cared less. I knew that if “I” were to succeed I would have to work my tail off and I did. I had little education, didn’t have fancy clothes or even a car. I initially lived in an apartment for $15 per week and you guessed right, it did not have air conditioning. I fought my way out of that situation and did not feel entitled to anything just for being born.
Part of the problem in this country with many folks is they blame everyone else for their problems, financial or otherwise. They sit on their porches awaiting a government check and the more kids they can spawn the bigger the check. It is multigenerational in many cases.
Many in our culture think that somehow their plight is caused by slavery but excuse me legalized slavery was wiped out 300 years ago. For crying out loud we fought a civil war to eliminate it. Yes it was an unjust thing to do to enslave people and force them to work for nothing, but slavery has been around since the dawn of time. As I wrote in my post yesterday there are more slaves today than when it was legal. I have never owned a slave, don’t believe in slavery, think it is morally reprehensible, and evil. So why am I to blame. Why do they refuse to wave when I drive by and wave at them? Where does the hate come from?
The Jews were an enslaved nation in Egypt for 400 years and then by the Romans before they shipped them all over the world. Just look what the Jewish nation has accomplished in medicine, science, arts, finance, and so on. They did not dwell on the past or sit on the porch glaring. After the holocaust they certainly had plenty to glare about.
My Bible study partner has already left for his honeymoon and beautiful weather today and I’m happy for him. Yes I wish I was heading to those places, but I have concluded that if I wanted to go there that badly, I would find a way and go even if I had to resort to hopping freights and hitchhiking like I did in my youth. I certainly don’t blame my buddy or anyone else for him enjoying a respite from the heat, that is on me.
What does the Bible say about work? Well, honest work is something God calls from all of us. God’s words tell us that working honestly, but with faith in mind, can lead to the great things he has planned for us.
Galatians 6:4
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Have a great day and go to church this Sunday!