A Lesson I Learned at Starbucks
Description
I’m out of my element today – feeling a lot like a fish out of water. Instead of being in front of my computer at home where the noise-level is at a minimum, I’m in a local Starbucks with what seems like everyone else in town. Did I mention the noise? Dull roar is an accurate description.
We’re having the floors in our house refinished. If you’ve ever gone through this process, you know why we had to get out of our house. The noise, dust, and smell are three good reasons. A fourth is the fact the stain and polyurethane is going on today, so we have to stay off the floor until everything is dry.
Making do
We can’t check into our hotel until this afternoon, so I’m dealing with the displaced feeling as best I can. (And hanging out at Starbucks isn’t all that bad! It could be a lot worse. I just have to put up with my daughter teasing me about being a hipster!)
No doubt Jesus can identify with my displaced feeling. During the years of His public ministry, He had no place to call His home.
Remember His words?
And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Matthew 8:20
A bigger purpose
Jesus came to earth with a purpose. He stayed under the authority of Mary and Joseph while He was growing up (Luke 2:51). But once Jesus chose the disciples and began His public ministry, He no longer had the luxury of a permanent home.
I have a hard time being asked to leave my house for a day. Jesus was willing to lay aside the glories of heaven, take on human flesh, and come to a world He created – to give Himself as a sacrifice. To make a way for us to have a restored relationship with a Holy God.
More than comfort
Shelter is a good thing and the Lord wants me to enjoy what He’s provided. But being displaced for even a short time opened my eyes: life is about more than my comfort.
It’s tough to admit, but I struggle with selfishness. I tend to live life as if it’s all about me. You too?
Take a look at God’s plan for us:
…for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Your turn
Are you living for the comforts of life? What step will you take to live out God’s plan for you today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me that You can identify with everything I go through. Thank You for loving me enough to lay aside Your glory and willingly die on the cross for me. Forgive my selfishness. Help me live for Your glory and to see beyond myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.