You Do You

I just love Peter.  I really do.  He is so unashamedly human.  And he is so defensive.  And he is so ready to take on a fight even if it is with Jesus. He is so much like me I just laugh out loud when I re read his stories.  Apparently in today's gospel reading, Jesus was taking a day trip.  Don't you just love day trips?  I took one yesterday to Stratford Road.  Spent the morning at a garden (more next week on how it really all began and ended in a garden). 

So Jesus and company are on a day trip, I am sure Mark's gospel tells us where they were running off to, but to be honest I didn't read that far.  I pretty much stick to the daily gospel reading and don't delve much further.  I have found that keeps my head full enough and gives my heart more than enough to dwell on.  So I don't know where they were going, but I do know what happened on the trip.  This dude runs (the gospel says he ran...good to know...since rarely do I ever find myself running up to God...I am more the kind who waits for God to bop me on top of the head), and he asks Jesus a question.  Clearly this guy thought Jesus would have the answer given that  he chased him down and all.  Or maybe and I suspect this be the case, he was so hoping GOD would agree with his answer.  And why are like that?  Why do we assault God with our questions in prayer hoping he will agree with us?  It has been my experience that in those instances God rarely does.   Ann Lamott said, "It is safe to assume you have created God in your own image when God hates all the same people you do."  How true.  How true.

Another good point from today's lesson is this...the next time you ask God a question and demand an answer make sure you are ready to hear it.  Chances are if you are really honest, you are not.  So this dude wants to know what it takes to be saved?  I am guessing, judging from his response, he thought he was.  Funny thing about salvation...it is not just a moment in time.  And here is where my Wesley scholar friend could help explain that very complex theology but for today I am keeping it simple.  It is best to realize that every moment you are being saved again and again and it is best to keep in mind what exactly is saving you and from what you are being saved.  Clearly this dude was a little cloudy about the whole deal.  Personally, I am the kind of character that needs saving again and again and again and again...and generally speaking it is saving from myself that I need saving from and isn't it great that God specializes in just that.  Saving us from ourselves.  True be told we would pretty much would be lost permanently if left to our own devices...and thank God, God does not. 

Jesus had a lot of different answers about the question regarding salvation.  Usually the answers boiled down to two, maybe three things...PRAY...GIVE AWAY YOUR MONEY...BE KIND...It just really doesn't take a whole lot to please Jesus, but like alot of us most of the time, this dude got hung up on one of the three.  Mark tells he  prayed and was a pretty nice guy...his problem...he didn't want to give up his money.  Truth be told I am so glad Jesus has not asked me yet to give up my white blouses or nice Italian leather shoes or manicures because on days like today...I would probably run away grieving too...just like that dude...he ran away....I have often wondered did he ever come back?  I suspect he did.  We usually find our way back when we have made such a mess of things that we come running back.  And isn't neat how Jesus usually just says this..."OK...you have made a mess...Now clean it up and come inside and have milk and cookies."

What made me laugh out loud about this story in Mark's gospel (and by the way, I think next year we get to read John and I like that story so much more...), is Peter.  Peter always makes me laugh. I can always count on Peter for a good laugh.  Peter pretty much gets in Jesus's face and says, "Now look, why are you telling us this again?  We get it.  WE GAVE UP EVERYTHING TO FOLLOW YOU."  And here is where I think Jesus gives one of the best lessons..."Peter, I am not talking about you. This is not your highlight reel.  I am saving that for hurricanes, fishing disasters and early morning rooster calls." 

And here is an important life lesson to remember and write it down and say it to yourself every day....more than once if necessary...Rarely and I mean very rarely is it about you.  And never are some one's mistakes about you.  Never.  Jesus basically tells Peter..."Peter how about YOU do YOU and not worry about anyone else.  Believe me Peter that alone will keep your hands full." 

Praying that for at least the next eight hours I only try to do me...that is a job in itself...

Kathleen