Occasionally, I wonder if what I’m doing in life is too small to matter. Next year I will qualify for the senior citizen’s discount at my favorite eatery, and this makes me consider what I’ve done with my fifty-some years. Such inventories can be discouraging.
Instead of dwelling on my failures, though, I’m determined to take courage from the beautiful passage in the Bible about Husahi the Arkite.We really don’t see much of him. He shows up late in King David’s reign and plays a role during one of David’s intrigues with a son who wants to steal the throne.
But the most significant mention of Hushai comes in a listing of officials in First Chronicles, Chapter 27. The scribes recorded all the men who made up King David’s cabinet and what important roles they played. Tucked in among the counselors, commanders, and keepers-of-the flocks is this statement: Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.
To be a friend may seem a small thing, but destinies have been forged and nations influenced by such things. One of the most influential men I know is Tass Saada, a former PLO sniper who now leads a ministry of reconciliation to both Jews and Muslims. His conversion is a dramatic story that started with a kind word and a smile from one man. The friend in that story is my pastor. His kindness launched a twenty-year friendship and altered the course of one who was Once An Arafat Man.
Check it out. And then smile at someone today.
I think you’d be feeling MUCH better about this by now if you had seen the dozens of young adults this weekend who are becoming wonderful moms and dads, preachers and Sunday school workers, worship leaders and servants — with a LOT of help from you and Wendell. Jeremy took a moment to honor all former NMBC/NHBC/HCC leaders and teachers and I couldn’t help but wish you had been among them. And you’re absolutely right in this blog, sometimes all it took was a smile.
Thanks, Molly. I appreciate your thoughts. (and your life)
Which eatery is that?
Felic: Ozark Steakhouse 🙂 Your dad already qualifies. We had the chipper chicken Thursday night!
Thanks. I would like to know more details of your story.
Kathy,
Thanks for the info. Hushai was actually a spy for David inside Absalom’s government, and saved David’s bacon for sure… so interesting comparison to Tass Saada…
That is true, Dave. Their friendship lasted a lifetime. Thanks for stopping by.