Humor

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TO BE CONTINUED


“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” Jesus cautioned. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt. 6:19-20). Since life is to be continued.
This, in turn, reminds me of Yogi Berra’s humorous remark: “It ain’t over until it’s over.” Decidedly not when it may appear to be over, as with our demise. The nickname Yogi was bestowed on Lawrence Peter Berra by another youth, who thought he resembled a snake charmer in the movies. An outstanding baseball player, he holds several world series records—such as most games as a catcher (63), and hits (71). He was also noted for his amusing comments.
“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psa. 103:15-18). Thus the brevity of human life contrasts with God’s eternal love.
On another occasion, Yogi admonished: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Conversely, one must choose between the alternatives. In this regard, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” (Psa. 1:1). Walk, stand, and sit are progressive, indicating that one becomes fixed in his ways, whether for better or worse.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” This provides continuity for him in the midst of changing circumstances. Not one to the exclusion of the other, but a creative coupling of the two together.
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Such bear fruit in an appropriate fashion, and resists the ill effects of drought.
“Not so the wicked! They are like the chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” So when one comes to a fork in the road, choose well between the options.
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up someplace else,” Yogi further observed. Of similar intent, “If you don’t have a target, it is difficult to hit it.”
Consequently, follow Jesus. This recalls Charles Sheldon’s classic text In His Steps, which continues to be an inspiration to those who reflect on its memorable contents. While along with the a reminder that Christian unity does not imply uniformity, but constructive diversity.
Yogi likewise allowed: “Nobody goes there anymore. It is too crowded.” Apparently not in every instance, because Jesus enjoined those present: “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
In this regard, the way of least resistence should be avoided. Instead, embrace the cost of discipleship. One that not only expects great things from God, but undertakes great things in his name and with his enablement.
All of which suggests that what we do or fail to do in this life has a bearing on what is yet to come. It remains to be seen whether we will think in short or long terms. If the former, then to find that we have squandered our opportunities. If the latter, with the realization that eternal life pertains not only to duration but quality.

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