THE GATECRASHER

An uninvited guest came to my party. This was a prestigious party. A pity party of the highest quality. I am lonely. I had my camera and laptop stolen. I am stranded in JoBurg with no money and I’m sleeping on some hard airport benches. And then there’s that other thing looming over me – consuming my thoughts. There were already enough guests at this party. Oh, of course God was there. Someone had to listen to my complaining. I was griping about how much was too much and quoting verses about how much one can bear. I was also placating myself with feeble attempts of saying, “But I do trust You God – I trust You to get me out of this mess You got me into – well You allowed it.”

Then my gatecrasher turned up. He was huge. Conviction had been working out and he came and hit me with full force. “You selfish ego-centric little man! Think where you have been. Think what you have seen. The fact that you are stranded in an International Airport already speaks volumes. Think of how many friends you have. How many people pray for you? Now this party is over. Clean up this mess for goodness sake and remember what it means to have a thankful heart.

I am sure at that very moment someone somewhere in the world was praying, “Jesus, please be near to Jono right now and show him how wonderful it is to be in Your presence.”

It’s bizarre but one line of an old and funny sounding hymn came to my mind. I don’t even know the rest of the words, just this: “Jesus the very thought of thee, with sweetness fills my breast.” Now my breast doesn’t feel any more filled – but you get the idea. I pictured Jesus’ suffering with a look of love and agony on His face. My troubles were suddenly revealed to be exceedingly light and momentary.
I fell asleep on that hard bench and woke up quite some hours later with a feeling of lightness still in my spirit.
Choose your focus today. Commune with Jesus or have a pity party with your troubles. I know what I’d rather do.