People of Need

There was an old story about a recent retiree who recruited the help of his

91-year-old father to help plant a spring garden. The older man began to set up the bean poles in straight lines, but his son protested. He contended that arranging them teepee-style was better. They argued for some time over which method was best.

Finally, the son said, “Dad, this is my garden, and I want to use the teepees!” The father threw down his hoe and stomped off toward the house, snorting as he went,

“You kids! Turn sixty and you think you know everything!”

Sometimes I wonder if that is what God says about us… especially when we are feeling smug or self-made. “You get just a little older, you secure that job or that promotion at work, you get that next college degree, you earn enough money not to have to struggle, and suddenly you think you know everything!”

The truth is, no matter how old we are, no matter what degrees we have earned, no matter how much money we’ve made or what we’ve accomplished in life, we still need God. We still need his guidance, his grace, and his mercy.

In the book of Deuteronomy (6:10-12) we read, “When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors… to give you… and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

May we never lose sight of our own need. May we never forget the One who has blessed us, the One who has saved us, the One who has promised to lead us and guide us and love us even now.

Let us pray, Loving God, we remember today that we do indeed need you. No matter what we have accomplished, there is still so much of life that is beyond our control. We are still confronted with mystery at every turn. We surrender our hearts to you again in this moment, and we ask you to lead us, guide us, and use us as instruments of your love and grace. Amen.