Neptune is hiding behind Jupiter this week. Actually, it is peeking out on the upper left hand side of Jupiter but you can’t see it. Jupiter is just too bright. Almost everything but the moon is blanked out by Jupiter’s reflected light. It reminds me of one of my friends who is a talented and gifted person. Unfortunately, he is out-dazzled by another who always has had the limelight. My friend is and has constantly been in second place. In a different time and a different place he would have been the one to dazzle.What fascinates me about him is he, at least to my knowledge, has never complained. He seems content to shine in his part of the Lord’s vineyard. He never seems jealous. He always speaks extremely well of his more dazzling friend. Being content with one’s place is a gift. So many people I know are hungry to be number one. I laugh when I see the fans of a winning sports team running around shouting they are number one when they aren’t even on the team.
In Corinthians Paul assures us that each of us is important in God’s plan. We all can’t be the head. The body needs feet and toes. However, if you are the dazzling one in your circle there is a special verse just for you. It is Romans 12:10. In the King James it reads, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one.” It is wonderfully paraphrased in The Message like this, “Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” If your friend is talking about his three-inch surgical scar and you have a ten-inch scar, keep quiet. Let him have his moment.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 15, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org