They say growing old isn’t for sissies, because as you know, everything becomes a challenge. Sometimes just to get out of bed has to happen in stages. Like me when I realised on Saturday that it was time to replace the swimming pool pipes.

I didn’t want to, but there was a leak somewhere. From my recliner I decided to rather get a quote, because I don’t have time for this kind of fun. But when I received the quote, I tumbled out of my recliner and decided to do it myself. It became a competition where I simply wanted to prove to myself that I could do the job for less.

Two guys and I started digging as if we were digging for gold. It was not too difficult, since the soil was quite soft after the good rains. Then we started laying the pipes and gluing in the elbows and Ts. This was still easy to do, but then we had to dig a meter or so beneath the paving to get to the spouts leading back to the swimming pool.

I suspect that’s where the trouble started. To get this body of mine in there I had to make a few intricate bends. With my arms working above my head, and while I was actually developing claustrophobia, I had to utilise a few muscles not used to work.

It was on Sunday morning, as I was getting up in stages, that I realised that I could no longer do all that I did when I was young. I hurt in places I didn’t even know existed. I had saved a few thousand Rand that day, but yes, growing old isn’t for sissies.

This was a long story, but being a Christian is also not for sissies. It’s not always easy and to me it feels as if the longer we are busy here on earth, the more difficult it becomes. So, this is what Paul says: ²⁴God’s servant must not be argumentative, ²⁵but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey.

When someone cuts in front of you with his minibus, it’s difficult to keep your blood from boiling. It’s difficult when the government does things that can change your whole life. It’s difficult when you’ve told someone for the umpteenth time how to do things and they keep on doing their own thing. It’s difficult when someone says things about you and your loved one that’s so far removed from the truth.

Then you want to fight. You want to sort things out right there and then – your way! Then being nice is not an option. Being nice feels not even remotely possible.

Now I can hear some of you say this is not meant for you, this verse actually speaks to the preachers, pastors and priests. Well, I’ve got news for you. This verse applies to all Christians, because we’re all servants of Jesus and a servant also works for the Lord.

Eish!

It’s not always easy to be a child of God. Sometimes it feels simply impossible to walk the road and it’s as if it grows more difficult by the day. But we must make a conscious decision to put away the boxing gloves. We must steel ourselves against the attacks and try our utmost not to get angry and give the others what they deserve.

We must rather focus on places where we can do good and be nice. That’s what the world needs. That’s what will change the world. Yes, the world will indeed look different when we’re all friendly with one another. Then it will be easier for all of us to be true children of God.

Scripture
2 Tim 2:22-26

Reflection
What makes you angry?
How can you stop yourself from getting into a fight?
Where can you shower friendliness?

Prayer
Lord, You know how I struggle not to lose my temper. You know how quickly I speak. It’s as if there are no brakes on my mouth. But I know it’s not right. I know I have to be kind rather than fight. So all I can ask is: Help me! Amen.