Today I awoke with a bruise on my thumb whose purple color encompasses the entire palm side around to the back. I am almost ashamed to say I’m not sure how a hematoma of this magnitude happened, with its swelling and ugliness. I was doing dishes and must have pinched it. (That’s the best explanation I have. 🙄) But it’s there. Not painful, just ugly. Hanging out.
The conflict that arose the Friday night of camp is hanging out, too — maybe. I have talked with the immediate parties and they have come to resolution and reconciliation. However, I’m not sure what are the current emotions and reactions of the families that were so upset. Does time cool off the feelings or are things festering? If I said something, would it help smooth the waters or give more energy to the flames? As always, I’m praying for wisdom in these things.
Just like leaders today, leaders in the Bible had their own sets of challenges. Moses had to lead a “stubborn and rebellious” – even “stiff necked” (Exodus 32:9) – nation from slavery and through the wilderness for forty years because they couldn’t trust God for their Promised Land. King Solomon, the richest, wisest, and most blessed man of his time, chose foreign wives and gods instead of his true inheritance – setting the stage for the breaking apart of the nation of Israel, a series of terrible kings, and eventually the loss of Israel’s homeland. Paul and Barnabas disagreed as to whether John Mark should accompany them on a missionary journey because he had earlier abandoned them. And then Jesus had Judas. Enough said.
Leadership can be hard. I know that. Sometimes leadership comes with “bruises.”
I trust that God made my body in such a way that this ugly purple swelling will heal. It might take a little time and be ugly for a while, but it will heal. Similarly, this is God’s camp and these are God’s people. It might take a little time and I may have to step into some conversations I’d rather avoid, but ultimately, it’s his to figure out.
(But, I also celebrate SO much about the camp. That will be another post for another day. 😁 )
So I wait, listen, seek wisdom, and trust GOD to heal the hurts. He’s able.
Mighty God, thank you that you are the perfection of beauty, the One who shines in glorious radiance, and who owns everything on earth. Thank you that you are not silent and when we seek you we will find you. Help us to walk the paths you have for us and know the revelation you give to us. Heal the bruised and brokenhearted and bless with peace those who struggle. We pray in Christ’s name, Amen.
“The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,
and he has spoken;
he has summoned all humanity
from where the sun rises to where it sets.
From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God shines in glorious radiance.
Our God approaches,
and he is not silent.
For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.
If you keep to my path,
I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
(Psalm 50:1-3, 10-12, 23 NLT)