January 2025 Newsletter
“It is better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”
Oh, the wisdom of silence.
In the world of social media (guilty), podcasts (guilty), and endless speculations while consuming beverages of any kind, many a man has solved the world’s problems without lifting a hand. (Again, guilty)
In the first part of the new year, we have certainly had much to chew. Us experts on all things. We have had a notional college football playoff system, an inauguration, talk Canadian bacon becoming American bacon, freezing cold weather and lastly, a fire. Fires.
For us in Southern California…well, you know. The sun went down 20 minutes earlier. The birds flew in disorganized confusion. The air was thick. And our hearts were crushed.
We recognized our utter powerlessness over 80 mph winds.
Yet it didn’t take too long before “we” started to figure the Who, Why, and What of our regional disaster. We knew. Just ask me.
“Next caller!”
Not unlike Job’s friends. They had a presupposition. A foundational belief upon which they built a theological framework of Old Testament Karma. “Bad things don’t happen to good people.”
“Next caller!”
Yet…it didn’t start that way. Ironically, these three friends of Job (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), started this “conversation” in the most wonderful of ways. In fact, they were the best friends a man could have. The suited up and showed up. They sat with their dear friend. They felt the inadequacy of their words. They recognized there was nothing that they could say to bring any comfort, any clarity, any understanding of causation. They were the best friends a man could have.
That is, until they opened their mouths.
Brothers. Let’s learn what the these three well intended men did right. We know all about chapters 3-31. The futility of their theology based on the premise that “bad things don’t happen to good people.” No…in three little verses in Job 2:11-13 we can learn A LOT about the kind of friends we need, and the kind of friend we need to be.
11 “When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. 12 When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.” NLT
First, the made a plan. The plan included coordination, travel and sacrifice. This wasn’t just a “call if you need anything” group of friends. They physically met together, compared notes, and followed through. This was certainly inconvenient…requiring these friends to make adjustments to provide the support Job was in desperate need of in the moment.
Second, they didn’t wait to be asked. Too often we text a sentiment of sympathy for the friend who is suffering. Of any kind of loss or hardship. Stricken by our own schedule, demands on our lives…we often toss a Romans 8:28 to our brother and promise to pray (insert emoji here). No…they actually were good enough friends to go see him uninvited. They KNEW he needed them. They KNEW he needed companionship. The kind only a friend can provide.
Third, they recognized the moment was bigger than them. These men knew that what Job needed was bigger than what they could provide. Wisely, they chose the best present a friend can give to another in the hardest moments of a man’s life. The gift of presence. No conjecturing. No pontification. NO “When I was your age…” types of answers. Nope. Just silence.
Brothers, God promises to “never leave us nor forsake us. On the positive side, He promises to “be with us always.”
Perhaps that promise is best fulfilled in the dark nights of the soul by brothers who choose to sit by our sides…saying nothing.
ATV Riding Excursion – Monday, February 17th (Presidents Day)
Join us for an exciting ATV riding adventure with Sword & Shovel. This day is designed to foster brotherhood, provide space for personal reflection, and encourage spiritual renewal.
Details:
Date: Monday, February 17th (Presidents Day)
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM
Riding Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Lunch: Group lunch after the ride
Cost: $200 per person (includes ATV rental)
Wrap-Up: Finish in time to be home for dinner
Whether you plan to come on your own, bring friends, or invite your church group, we’d be happy to accommodate you.
For more information or to RSVP:
Email: chris@swordandshovel.com
Call: 310.697.9190
We look forward to having you join us for this meaningful day.
5 Commitments for 2025
1 - Read five Psalms a day
So my morning liturgy includes a reading from the Old Testament, a chapter from the Gospels and Acts, and five Psalms. (Sorry Paul). My focus this year is on worship. Maybe I should include Revelation. Alas…
2 - Study one chapter of the Bible intensely
I haven’t landed on one yet. Currently dwelling on Deuteronomy 8. I love the emphasis on remembrance. For me, to “remember the Lord, who is great and awesome…” is a key to living in the present.
3 - This saying:
Show up
Stay present
Tell the truth
Let go of the outcome
(I am counting this as a single commitment)
4 - Study the life of a historical figure
I have always loved history. I am hoping to get out and visit some presidential libraries in the next few years. My current choice for the subject of my studying is either Teddy Roosevelt or George Patton. Another possibility is Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Thoughts?
5 - No screen time until 8am
Since I get up at 5am…I am committing to reading and writing for a good chunk before I succumb to my obsession with news, sports and email. “Wretched man that I am…”
Any of these resonate with you? Have your own? Please share!