Marshmallows on a String

I was recently preparing  for a game which required securing marshmallows onto a long thread. The game players then place the string in the mouth, and when "go" is shouted, each tries to get the marshmallow into the mouth without the use of hands.  Needless to say, it's pretty funny to watch and absolutely amazing what people can do!  Anyway, as I was preparing the gamepieces, I was finding it really time consuming to get the strings with the marshmallows exactly the same length. (If  I had done a little thinking first or had asked Nathan to do it, it wouldn't have been that difficult.) HOWEVER, I didn't think first, so here I am with a time crunch when BAM! The thought hit me. (This happens quite a bit when you work with young people, but it isn't quite as painful as when you're clotheslined playing flying Dutchman.)

Here's the thought, "Life is like marshmallows on uneven strings." 
 

"HUH?" you say.

Allow me to explain. Life starts with our strings of different length making the acquisition of the "marshmallow" more attainable for some than others. Our strings have things like stable family life or lack thereof, health or lack thereof, education or lack thereof, wealth or lack thereof, access to clean water or lack thereof.... Are you getting the picture?  Thinking we all have the exact same potentiality to get the marshmallow to the mouth is just not reasonable. So should we simply work for our own marshmallow and not worry about those whose marshmallows are dragging on the floor? (or even those whose marshmallow falls off before we even start? Sorry, Adam!)

The scriptures say lots and lots about how we should relate to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the widow,  the thirsty, and the stranger; those whose strings are looooong.  This week our focus at Ridgeview will be on poverty as Saturday afternoon 1-5pm we work together to fill MCC kits,http://www.mcc.org/ and on Sunday morning beginning with a continental breakfast at 8:30am we will all engage in a poverty simulation in the 1990 hall. As far as I know there will not be any marshmallows on strings involved.

Mick's message during formal worship will be based on Jesus' parable about sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46.  http://bible.oremus.org/ In his presermon notes Mick says this, "Ultimately, it's not a matter of purity or theological correctness that Jesus points to when judgment happens. Rather it is our willingness or unwillingness to act when confronted with the needs around us...."

Squirming yet?  Lord, open our ears to hear, our hearts to receive, and ourselves to act!

Rather than meet in the Upper Room, we'll be in the 1990 hall at 8:30am for coffee and donuts so that we can then be given our roles for the simulation.  All are welcome! This should prove to be a fun way to learn important truths.

Today's prayer: Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and for evermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.Ps 113 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Micah 6:8

Creator God, you tell us to care for the stranger, feed the hungry, provide for the sick and needy. Boy, do we fail miserably much of the time!  Forgive us, Lord. Grant us courage and strength, and wisdom and mercy as we relate one to another and learn to truly see each other offering ourselves to you as living sacrifices. There are times we are the ones in need; help us to accept graciously. We criticize and judge rather than see each other as your creations. Let us live as transformed mortals created in Christ Jesus for the good works you intended to be our way of life, stepping into your Kingdom way.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/
Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend."