November 12, 2008
“Pride and Experience”
I recently read one of Abraham Lincoln’s humorous stories that illustrated an important idea. Lincoln told of a farmer who took great pride in a massive tree that stood near his house. One day while working in his garden, the farmer watched a squirrel run into a large hole in the tree. This sight raised the farmer’s curiosity, and after diligent investigation, he discovered that his magnificent tree was hollow.
This left him with a dilemma. Should he cut the tree down, leaving his house open to the direct, harsh wind of winter, or leave it standing, yet constantly live with the possibility thatthe wind might blow it onto his house? Lincoln ended his story by noting the farmer said, “I wish I would have never watched that darn squirrel.”
Sunday we discussed the pain of pride. Perhaps little events in our lives can be like Lincoln’s squirrel. They can reveal where we are hollow, insecure and unhealthy. Let’s not be like the farmer and under-appreciate the wonderful hints that experience provides.
Strong souls create a healthy environment in which peace, love and encouragement thrive.
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
