The sun was warm but the breeze held promise of snow. We only had a few hours left to work outside so my friend and I worked quickly as we talked. The staples needed to be pulled first. Then the fence could be rolled into a ball. We moved efficiently from post to post. Among other issues, we discussed the recurring problem of feeling underappreciated.
After all, it wasn’t fair to always stand in the shadows, to watch others takecredit for what you had done, to step aside and let others have the glory, was it?
Then the posts had to be removed. As we pulled them out one by one, we noticed little seedlings. Then we realized the tiny trees were almost exclusively in the fence line or sheltered quietly under the pesky sage that hindered our progress. Before too long the fence was down. The posts were neatly piled beside the roll of wire. There was no sign of there ever having been a fence except for the little Ponderosa and Pinon seedlings standing tenuously in line. Then it dawned on me. I checked under the fluffy Rabbitbrush. Then the Snakeweed. Yep. They all sheltered seedlings of the mighty Ponderosa or Pinon pines. And I thought, I am like the fence posts, sage or other brush that is so prevalent in open spaces. When the fall winds carry the seeds across the countryside, the brush provides a place of shelter. It is oblivious to the fact that this little harmless seed would one day push its way through the sheltering bush, surpassing it in height and endurance. It would likely destroy that which had protected it and allowed it to flourish. And that’s the way God designed it.
I too was designed by God to be a brush or fence post, maybe not destroyed by those whom I have sheltered and trained but eventually to be replaced by them. Why is it so hard at times to rejoice when those whom I have served surpass me, grow strong, and take my place? Why can’t I be content to give my life for those who come after me? In a sense, isn’t that what Jesus did? Not that we will ever surpass Him in any way, but He sheltered us from the wrath we deserve. He gave His life that we might live. At this Christmas season, may we realize anew the supreme sacrifice of Christ in coming to earth in the form of man, dying that we might live. May we learn contentment if God asks us to be sage beneath the Ponderosa.
Gratefully,
Martha Gushee
P.S. This letter was based on one I originally wrote for Christmas 1988. Today it is more applicable than ever as now half the staff at IBC are graduates of the school. The Business Administrator, Registrar, Admissions Counselor, Bookkeeper, 3 student life staff (including the Dean of Women), the Director of Work, and the Learning Resource Center Director are all graduates of IBC. Two life coaches and all ten of the Spiritual Formation mentors are current students or graduates of the school. It is my privilege to work alongside them and rejoice as God provides qualified and competent workers to replace me in several positions I have developed and served in for many years (Life Coach Director, possibly Museum Director at this point). May we find fulfillment and joy in watching God raise up the next generation of His servants at IBC! May we follow the example of Jesus who gave up His life, became one of us in order to give us life.
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