Here are three lessons I learned this week:

1. “Sarcasm is always rooted in anger, and often cloaked with humor.”

Justice Institue of BC, during a course called Dealing With Anger.

2. “Contempt and anger are at the root of all social problems.” Dallas

Willard during a course on Leadership and Spirituality at Regent

Collage.

3. The Rabbi’s in Jesus day thought only God could work on the Sabbath.

They taught that God holds the whole universe together, and sustains

all life. This is what made them so furious when Jesus healed on the

Sabbath. Jesus told them He and God could work on the Sabbath, making

Himself equal to God. NET Bible in the Study Notes on John 5:1-18.

I found it refreshing to think about this all week, how God is always

working. He keeps it all going. Everything. The ducklings know how to

get food as soon as they are born. The plants know how to look for

light, once the weather is warm enough for them to come out of the

earth. Certain trees know when to produce blossoms that will turn into

fruit. The earth spins around the sun in perfect timing to give us four

seasons. God keeps it all going!

Thinking of God always working and allowing us to live and work with

Him can help us move away from any hint of sarcasm or contempt, and

move closer to joy, love and humility.

May God increase your capacity to enjoy the rest of today and this week

until your heart feels like it is bursting with gratitude to Him.

Warmly,

Rick Bergen.