Who me?

I am not preaching on the Old Testament this Sunday but it is one of the scriptures that can remind us of a soap opera; 2 Samuel 11:26-12:15.  This is scripture continues the life of David who is taken up short when he realizes that Nathan, who described a horrible person, who had much and stole from his neighbor who had less, was been talking about him!

David says:  “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; ⁶he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” ⁷Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” (2Samuel 12: 5-7)

            Years ago my neighbor and her young daughter, who was and is adored, came for a visit.  While my friend and I talked about an incident that happened at the preschool I taught at, her daughter sat in a corner playing with some toys.  We were unaware of her listening to our conversation when suddenly she looked up at us and asked with a stunned look on her face “Me?  Are you talking about me?!”  Somehow this cute little two year old realized that there may have been something she had done that might cause us to speak this way about her.  How had David lost this innocent awareness? 

            I imagine David lost it the way most of us are in danger of losing it.  We get busy; we are distracted by the desires and standards of the world.  We acquire too much or too little, both causing us to make choices and decisions that can stress our better judgment at times. 

            It is not always easy to see ourselves through the eyes of others especially when we are made aware of less than desirable actions.  It can leave us speechless, ashamed, stunned and even defensive.  David was left humbled and having to face significant consequences.

            My little neighbor, who is now a young woman, had the courage and nerve to ask “Are you talking about me?”  She wanted to know!  I think for many of us learning what others think of us could be an uncomfortable event whether the news is positive or negative. 

            Most of us do not like talking about ourselves yet it is through difficult self evaluation

that we are able to fully embrace this life.  When we see and allow God’s grace as our own then we know that it belongs to others as well thus it becomes possible to see our cup as running over due to the pastures that surround us and the waters that run beside us. (Psalm 23---author David)