“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”
Many years ago at one of my first staff meetings the devotion was about this verse. I have never forgotten the lesson and have sought to operate by it ever since. I let it slip about 5 years ago but it didn’t take long and a brief insight from one of our ministries founding men to correct my thinking. Family are messy. Staff are messy. Even your fantasy football or bowling leagues are most likely messy. Solomon makes a point that you can have a pretty clean and uncluttered life if no one else is in it, but you. With others in your story, whether your family, company or any other group comes personalities and gifting that can scrap and squabble. But, also with others involved comes greater success, joy, celebration, and people to help through hard times and even pick up pieces occasionally. A very close friend once made the statement “I look forward to not having to work with millennials ever again”. Another good friend challenged him not to write them off, but help mentor, and occasionally even raise them in the calling God has placed on their lives. Pretty wise. By the way, I love millennials. I often told parents that parenting a teenager can be very difficult but in years of ministry to teenagers the main truth I learned was never give up. Today accept the mess and enjoy the harvest together. #BeTheEdge
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV
