So this devout cowboy, a daily Bible reader, loses his bible and is distraught. He prays to God regularly for its return. Lo and behold, sometime later a cow walks up to the cowboy with the Bible in its mouth. “It’s a miracle” the cowboy shrieks. “Not really,” the cow says, “your name was on the front inside cover.” [rim shot]
I don’t know why, but this joke made me laugh for days. I have, however, told it enough to know that it is, well, not as well received by others. So am am going for the serious message in it, thinking maybe I should stick with that. I often miss the real miracle that occurs in front of me, the real message I am supposed to get. I see one thing and don’t recognize the other. In the world of possibilities, a cow could walk up to a cowboy with a Bible in its mouth. Unlikely, yes, but within the realm of possibility. (Sort of like my “a guy and a giraffe walk into a bar” joke – a high ceilinged bar or an outdoor bar.) But the thought that a cow could speak, let alone, read, is, well, impossible as far as I know. THAT would be a miracle.
The cowboy missed the miracle. All of which begs the question – how often do I miss the miracle? Miracles aside, how often do I see events unfold and fail to recognize the true take away because I focus more on something else, the popular reaction, the instinctive emotional response? There is lots going on around me. In this world of instant news there is much to react to. It occurs to me, again, that I should observe and ponder a bit more, react and respond a bit more slowly. Wait, I think I have heard that before. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20
It occurs to me... 