Monday, 2/1/16
Today’s readings feature verbal attacks. The deposed King
Saul’s relative Shimei cursed King David, saying, “Away, away, you murderous
and wicked man!”
The devil named Legend attacked Jesus, asking, “What have
you to do with me?”
It might have you recalling times when you were put down, or
assaulted. I recall being assaulted by mail. I had to visit our bishop on some
business, and the bishop asked if I had come about the letter. Not knowing what
he was referring to, I thought it safe to say, “Yes.”
A supposed friend who wrote the letter said I was most incompetent,
while thinking myself wonderful. . .
Have you ever been shocked by something like that?
What came to my mind that day was advice I had received from
my pastor in St. Louis. He told me, “Kid, you have to learn to roll with the punches.”
That is good advice when disappointments come, as they surely will, roll with
the punches.
It has me remembering a disappointment my dad faced when he
was eight. His father had died, leaving dad with a little brother and sister.
He went to work delivering chocolates for Groan’s chocolate store.
One day Mrs. Groan told him, “I have to leave you go,
Francis. I’m sure you know why.”
He said, “Yes, ma’am.” And he left. But at ninety he was
still wondering why she had to let him go.
