Messages and Messes

Says a favorite author, often known as "anon," courtesy of KSGN, "God can take our messes and turn them into a message."  OK--we all have messes, of some sort--that's a given, right?   As we start thinking, a number come to mind, and I'm sure you can even think of more, but to start with, here are some examples: financial messes, spiritual messes, relational messes, conflict messes, traffic messes, political messes, running out of time messes and so forth.

So the question is--how can our messes be turned into messages?   Are you interested in even having any of your messes turned into messages?  When you are in the middle of them probably not!  But just in case, lets take a look at how this might work--example:  we know that in our judicial system, judges on occasion to sentence an offender to the maximum sentence on the books to send a messagem, that crime does not pay, and also as a deterrent to others, that the type of behavior engaged in warrants punishment.   Once he or she has served their time and released back into society, some repentant former prisoners have a message in the story.  For example, Chuck Colson of the Nixon/Watergate era served a prison sentence as a result of his breaking the law.  While in prison he noticed the anguish on many of the prisoners faces who had  children and were unable to send them gifts around the Christmas season. 

Once he had served his time Colson used the mess that got him a prison sentence to start an organization that provides support to prisoners and their families especially around the Christmas season.  Project "Angel Tree" s one such example.  Gifts from the general public are solicited and given to the children of prisoners at Christmas time.  The message from this mess is that people who are in need are often able to celebrate with with joy, gifts given out of the generosity of others.

So how might this example apply here-- one thing for sure--time is the essence in the workplace (and on another note, how often do we get stressed and messed up over running out of time!?) I have heard it said, that almost all worthwhile inspirational and devotional reading comes from authors who have been in a major life mess, sometimes of their own creation, and often not, but regardless  have been able to turn their messes into messages that others find helpful and learn from!  Martin Luther King is one example. 

So, what about us employed by others or working at home?  How many times have you come to work all stressed out over an extremely difficult situation, maybe a co-worker, or a customer, or if in healthcare is difficult to work with and it has the potential to turn something potential small into a big mess?  After the dust has settled, how this might be turned into a message.   A text from Romans 12:2 adds encouragement:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  What inspirational message might you have that has come out of a mess you have been in?  Now don't quickly run the other way, stop and think!  You may have something worthwhile to share!

Blessings

Chaplain Leigh