24 August 2008

Greetings Friends!

It hasn't happened this year...yet, but every now and again I seem to lock myself out of our house. On several of these occasions in the past, to my dismay, the spare key was not in the usual hiding place. Add to that all the windows being locked. Most times this has happened I was on my way to an appointment or work and hastily rushed out of the house leaving my keys locked inside. These times have been most distressing but also so very inconvenient.

Keys hold a certain sense of control for us humans. They open, unlock, doors that only are meant for us (and a select few) to enter. And when keys are lost or left behind, that sense of control is suddenly gone and at times panic sets in. We do not like to be without a sense of control. But control in many respects equates with power. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but...a sense of power can feed the perceived need for more control which inflates the sense of importance and power, and on and on. Left unchecked, it can become a vicious circle, and one that is isolating at that. Power and control is not the food of relationship; it does not build community or trust nor does it foster any sense of service or collegiality. When power and control are the predominant dynamics of any relationship, whether with another or a group of people, an integral and very necessary piece is missing from the relationship: a sense of togetherness - that we are all in this together!

We see in our reading from the prophet Isaiah today that this important concept of togetherness is lacking in Shebna's relationship not only with the people Israel, but with God as well. Well, we would see it more clearly if we read the whole 22nd chapter of Isaiah! Shebna was very much into power and control - a person who had a mighty high opinion of himself and his status. He held the keys, so to speak, to God's people. But God had other plans and they had no room for arrogance, conceit, and power/control hungry masters of a palace. God's plan involved servant leadership. Hmm, I think God's plan still does!

Together may we dance to the divine music of God's constant Love!

Peace on the Journey