God Bless You

"Lord, did he not say to me...?"
Genesis 20:5

When I was little, we had a book by Dr Seuss called "Because a Little Bug Went Ka-CHOO!"  It was a funny little story about cause and effect.  A small bug sneezes, which causes a seed to drop.  Because that seed dropped, a worm got mad, because the worm got mad... etc, etc.  In the end, the circus parade going through town becomes chaos, and all because a little bug sneezed.

I got to thinking about this book today, for two reasons.  The first was a chat with my sister.  My sisters and I, and our families, went to Disneyland last Christmas vacation.  On December 27th.  Now, any Disneyland specialist, tourism expert, or Southern California resident will tell you that the week after Christmas is the worst time to go.  The crowds are crazy, the weather's iffy (even for beautiful sunny Southern California), and often there are rides shut down for winter maintenance.   We went several years ago, and I still have nightmares about long lines, whiny toddlers, and agoraphobic-claustrophobia (which is the worst kind!)

This time, it was almost the opposite.  We were able to do a lot of rides; we managed to keep everyone together as we walked through the park; and we snacked wisely so that we could indulge in a dinner to remember.

When my sister and I talked this morning about how much fun the day had been, she said she thought it was largely due to one thing:  my decision not to ride the first ride of the day.  It's not one of my favorites, so while the rest of our group were in line, she and I went and got the Fast Passes for all of us on another ride, making our reservation for later.  That set in motion the pattern for the day ~ wise and efficient use of our time.   It wasn't a major decision on my part; I just don't like that ride.  But it had an impact ~ in a good way ~ on everyone in our party.

This cause-and-effect idea came to me again today, while in the book of Genesis.  Chapter 20 tells the story of Abraham, traveling with his wife, Sarah.  They came into the kingdom of a man named Abimelech, where Abraham was certain he would be killed so that Abimelech could have Sarah for his wife.  So he lied, and told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister.  Sure enough, the king had Sarah sent to him, and God came to him in a dream that night, telling him the truth, and warning him not to touch Sarah.  Abimelech protested, "Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister'?"

God knew that the king had not meant to do anything wrong, and He allowed the king to return Sarah to Abraham, and escape punishment.  But Abraham's decision to lie had nearly resulted in another man's death.  Though Abimelech was not a believer, his behavior had been more righteous than Abraham's.

I am reminded of the effects our actions have on those around us ~ good and bad.  My response to this realization should be prayer and wisdom about my actions, and understanding and forgiveness about the actions of others.   Are our attitudes, words and actions bringing joy, lifting others, and pointing them to Him?  If not, then we are probably accomplishing the opposite.  And how do we react to the bad decisions or mistake of others?  If you find yourself in a chain reaction of bad consequences, like the bug who went "ker-choo!" then it's up to you to turn it around. You'll be amazed at the impact you can have.

~ "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.

And just as you want men to do to you, do unto them." ~

Luke 6:27-29, 31