Proper 25 B - Proverbs 1:33 - Marcus Antoninus

" Be like the promontory, against which the waves continually break; but it stands firm, and tames the fury of water around it. Unhappy am I, because this has happened to me? Not so, but happy am I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present, nor fearing the future. Will then this which has happened prevent thee from being just, magnanimous, temperate, prudent, secure against inconsiderate opinions and falsehood? Remember, too, on every occasion which leads thee to vexation to apply this principle: that this is not a misfortune, but that to bear it nobly is good fortune. "

Proper 25 B - James 3:18 - Don't be a porcupine!

"Do the hard work of getting along with each other."
(James 3:18)

" Unlike creatures who travel in packs, porcupines travel solo. When they encounter other animals, they respond by withdrawing or using their quills to attack. Once their deadly quills become embedded, the wounds fester, causing suffering, even death. Now porcupines don't necessarily want to be alone; they just don't know how to get close without hurting others or themselves.

Sound familiar? If so, it's not suprising, because as human beings we employ attack and withdrawl strategies every day. We each have our own set of quills, things like: gossip, anger, pride, competitiveness, insensitivity, greed, and control, to name just a few. By aiming them at others, we damage relationships, hurt people and end up lonely. Now, while it's not always easy, porcupines want to be able to get along together, if only to ensure future generations. Their only other option is extinction. The same goes for us too!

... (Rom 12:16) ... (Php 2:3,4) ... Come on, you've got to work at it! Pull in your quills today, and ask God to help you build loving relationships with the other porcupines who share your space! "

Bob & Debby Gass, The Word for you Today Devotional; UCB Canada; 2004.