Listen to the words recorded for us in 2 Samuel 16: 5-8. “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The Lord is paying you back for murdering King Saul and his family (that was a lie); you stole his throne (another lie) and now the Lord has given it to your son (that’s a third lie—the Lord never gave David’s son the throne; Absalom took the throne!) At last you will taste some of your own medicine…you murderer!” After his (David’s sin) of adultery and murder was exposed by Nathan, part of the consequences consisted of family members rising up against the new king. David is mourning the loss of Tamar’s innocence, Amnon’s death and now Absalom’s rebellion. If that weren’t bad enough, he now has to deal with this heckler. Shemei was your typical louse. He was the kind of person who had no problem kicking someone when they were down. 

Ever encountered someone like that? You’re at the very ultimate, lowest pit. You’re world is crumbling; falling apart and along comes a Shemei and BOOM! He/she starts hurling insults, cursing and accusing David of things he had never done. That day must have been difficult for David, but cooler heads prevailed. I’ve not always been successful in maintaining my cool when I know someone has wronged me, but the times I have remained level-headed went much better for me. If we’re going to be used by God we need to develop softer hearts and thicker skin. Others may feel validated by dropping slanderous innuendos our way, especially when we’ve had a bad day. Remind yourself; you’re in good company. They railed our Lord and Master too but, thank God, thicker skin and a softer heart prevailed. 

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!
Kevin

Wanted to share a few quotes to lighten your day…

*Milton Berle once said, “If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?”

*Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

*An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. ~Spanish Proverb

*Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease. ~Lisa Alther

*Don’t ever tell the mother of a newborn that her baby’s smile is just gas. ~Jill Woodhull

*You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool mom. ~Author Unknown

*The mother of boys work son-up to son-down. ~Author Unknown

*It’s not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it. ~From the television show The Golden Girls

*My mom is literally a part of me. You can’t say that about many people except relatives, and organ donors. ~Carrie Latet, 2006

*Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my mother after all. ~Author Unknown

To all our mothers today, we simply wish to say, “Thank you”. The world is a much saner place because of our moms. There may be times of heartache, grief and woe…but always remember, into our hearts the gift of love each of you did bestow!

Have a blessed Mother’s Day, and remember the One who gave it to you!
 Kevin