The Scriptures tell us that Jesus loved to tell stories
(personally, I think that’s
probably why children loved hanging around him so much). I won’t
claim to be anywhere near the level of Jesus when it comes to telling stories
but perhaps you will allow me to try to answer some of these questions with an
attempt.
A long time ago, before the west was “settled” word drifted east that
there was land aplenty and the opportunity for much wealth for those who were
brave enough to seize it. Given the
dangers ahead, and the value of numbers for safety, a group was formed that was
made up of various individuals. Some
were after the promised land, others were pursuing wealth, still others were
just looking for a place to set down roots.
As with all such endeavours the journey was fraught with danger,
disaster, frustrations and hardship.
However, each person kept focussed on their “prize” and continued to move
forward.
Eventually, as they travelled the more experienced among them
began to notice the weather patterns signalling the changing seasons. There was much debate about whether they
should stop travelling and prepare for the oncoming winter. The debates took place around campfires, over
meals, among friends and family. Some
started congenial others were heated.
In time, it seemed like they all became heated.
To be fair, there was more than one issue that was debated. In fact, it seemed that the community was always arguing about something or the
other. They fought over the direction
they were heading. They fought over when
to stop for the night. They fought over
when to get up in the morning. They
fought over the noise made by the children.
They fought over seniors who weren’t “pulling their weight”. At times it
seems they fought just to fight. When
they finally acknowledged the need to prepare for the oncoming winter they
fought over where to stop. They fought
over who should get to name the “town”.
They fought about town limits and the location of a school, a general
store, a mill, a church.
Eventually, it became common for members of the community to
head off on their own in the wee hours of the morning. Some left in anger, others left in
frustration, still others left thinking
they stood a better chance of achieving their goals on their own. Most though, left as a result of hurt
feelings associated with whatever topic was being raged over at the
moment.
When winter finally came they were so busy fighting each other
they had failed to adequately prepare to “fight” their common enemy. It wreaked havoc on those who had
remained. Though it was hardly a tough
one as winters go, the group was so poorly prepared they suffered terribly.
Some took to stealing from their neighbours to survive. Others hoarded so
selfishly they callously watched those they had once referred to as ‘friend’
die, even though it was within their power to help. The stories from that first winter were
shameful and horrific. Many died...
…most died.
What I mean is, in the end, even those who survived… didn’t.
Jesus would often end his stories by saying something like, “Are
you paying attention? Really, paying
attention?”
