London Freeman tells how the deacons in a church solved the problem of their ineffective preacher. As I read the story, I realized it was great advice for everyone. If put to use it will help not only at church, but at home, at work, and yes, in our leisure time.
Here is the story:
The Parrot’s Advice
The deacons of the church met to discuss their pastor. There were few, if any conversions, most every pew was empty, and the offering plate often had nothing in it. The complaints or reasons given were, the preacher preaches too long, the doctrine was wrong, and he didn’t visit the members as he should.
In one corner of the room where they were meeting, hung a cage with a green parrot. This parrot had spent most of its life on a ship out at sea. He had learned the rough language from the captain and sailors on the ship. It cocked its head as it listened to the deacons while they debated how to solve the problem.
One particular deacon got up and gave a long speech and concluded by saying, “Our minister may be a good man, but I see no remedy except…”
Suddenly the parrot blurted out, “Work, you lazy people, work!”
It caught them by surprise! They were speechless for a moment and then decided that the bird just might be right, and they decided to give it a try. They got the members together and organized them to work, and in time, all they members were happy with their church and their pastor was not so bad at all! Adapted from “Signs of the Times”
Sometimes we, myself included, focus on what others don’t do, rather than what we/I can do. When, if we do what we can and need to do, the remedy is found. We no longer have time to complain, as well as others see what we are doing and just might get in the boat with us and together we can make a positive difference and be happy about what we are accomplishing. Happy For A Reason Reasons:
1. Ron came to pick me up from work this morning! What a treat, not to have to drive home after a night of work!
2. A great lunch made by Ron! Deliciously prepared brussel sprouts, yellow summer squash, fresh corn on the cob, and fresh tomatoes!
3. A call from Nathan!
4. A little time to spend with Ron, especially since he has been gone all week and will be leaving again tomorrow morning. great spending a little time with Ron… since he has been gone and will be leaving again in the morning.
5. God helped me find my photo flash drive! It had three months or more of photos on it and had fallen out of my pocked….hummm, maybe I just might need to back them up!
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