It seemed like such a long journey. A strong headwind added another hour to our trip from Boston to San Francisco. As we all know food on airlines has become an endangered commodity and my complimentary bag of peanuts just didn’t do it for me. It was about four hours into the flight when I heard the rustle of cellophane. Glancing left I watched a lady remove a bag of licorice twists from her carryon. The fragrance of licorice wafted across the narrow isle. Longingly I watched as she grasped the end of a twist and slowly pulled it from the cellophane bag. She didn’t just bite it, she savored it. She slowly pushed it past her lips as my stomach began to groan with desire. I felt like the ancient mariner who said, “Licorice, licorice everywhere and not a twist to eat.” I think that’s what he said.I want to tell you I gained a whole new appreciation for Psalm 23:5, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” This time I was the enemy. The food was on someone else’s table.
Even as a boy I was concerned over what I perceived to be smugness on my part with God caring for me and not for another. Yet I understood the blessings for those who make God our shepherd. What a difference Jesus made. He changed everything. Jesus helped us understand our role is never to be smug but instead to be caring for everyone. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 12, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org