Living Vicariously vs. Skin in the Game
"I
wish I could do that.” "I wish I could go there." If I had a nickel
for each and every time I've said that I would look like Scrooge McDuck pushing
a wheelbarrow full of coins > there would be MANY. We are offered a lot of
opportunity in these modern times to live vicariously through other people's
adventures: FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter and the like. We read their journals
and thumb through their pictures and say, "I wish I could do that."
Beginning
July 2nd we have been deep in the throes of the Tour de France. The Tour is the
absolute ultimate biker's event. This year the Grand Depart was hosted in the
La Manche region in northwest France. Before Stage 1 was complete, the riders
would pass by the stunningly beautiful abbey, Mont Saint Michel. Helicopters carrying commentators flew above and around
the bikes and flashed scenes of incredible architecture, history and
topography. I am a casual cyclist. As one who occasionally turns the pedals, I
sit in my easy chair, watching the race and saying, "I wish I could do
that." I live vicariously through the riders who are actually there. Well,
heck. That's no good. I will NEVER ride in the Tour de France. Does that mean I
should ONLY watch and wish? It does not. I climb on my bike and (hopefully)
with some friends, take off along the roads of our wonderful Tri-State area.
Along with the great country bi-ways, the smell of newly cut grass and the
fresh air - I get to experience flat tires, pot holes and dogs dead set on
chewing the pedals off my bike. But I've got skin in the game.
50 miles
not 100+. 20mph not 45. Fitness and pleasure of the ride; not the yellow, green
or polka dot jersey. Skin in the game!
Parts of
our state were recently ravaged by flooding. Before and after photos placed
side by side leave us in a condition of un-belief. That can't possibly be the
same place. I have, as many have, been moved by all of pictures on TV of people
who have poured into the area to help. We watch the stories and say, "I
wish I could do that." Well, here's your chance. These folks need prayer -
no doubt. But we need not sit in front of the television and live vicariously
though those helpers we watch. Pope Francis is quoted as saying, "You pray
for the hungry. Then you feed them. That's how prayer works." Can we
substitute (for a brief moment anyway) 'hungry' for 'those affected by
flooding'? Maybe you can't go to Clay or Clendenin or Rainelle and muck out a
house or remove debris. But you can...shop for cleaning supplies, pack a flood
bucket, send a meal, take out your check book. Put some skin in the game.
I have
been moved by the stories of those that have been the hands and feet of Christ.
Groups from my home church have gone to work. I have seen contributions arrive
from all over the country. Physical supplies from neighboring states. Monetary
gifts from as far as the west coast. Many with notes; praying for WV. First you
pray for the flooded. Then you help them. That's how prayer works.
Jesus moved
from town to town with his friends. He prayed and taught and
healed. A pretty good gig - right? Luke, chapter 9 tells us of the moment when
Jesus 'turned his face towards Jerusalem'. He knew that a journey into that town was not going to be
all knuckle bumps and high fives. Self sacrifice would be the order of the day.
God's plan required skin in the game.
Take a
glance around your house. Look at all of the things that represent your life
and have deep meaning...now imagine that they are underwater. Say a pray and
put some skin in the game.
Steve Matthews
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