THE OPENED MOUTH - Mid Week Epistole by Jim Massey

THE OPENED MOUTH

Do you have trouble opening your mouth at the wrong time? Have you ever been in a conversation and before you know it you have volunteered to do something or take on some responsibility after you had promised you wouldn’t?

Then listen to the fable of the frog who wanted to go South with geese.

One morning the geese were discussing the wonderful southern climate and the fall migration. A frog became obsessed with wanting to go after listening to the wonderful images that were presented. Now the geese liked him and wanted him to join them, but his abilities as a frog simply didn’t include flying. So, they put the burden on him by saying, “If you can figure out a way to go, we’d be delighted to have you go down there with us.”

The frog put on his thinking cap and eventually came up with a plan. He talked two of the large birds into holding a stick between them in their bills. He clamped his mouth on the middle of the stick and they took off. It worked!

They began flying south, and they were doing great; but several other geese flew by and one observed, “My, isn’t that a clever idea? I wonder whose idea it was?” And with that, the frog told them -- and landed in the ocean.

Does that remind you of the words of Job: “Though I am innocent, my own mouth would condemn me.” (Job 9:20).

This should also serve as words of warning to those who try to fly higher than they should, they could croak.

Eternal God, the words that come from our mouths at times may give us a false sense of security. Remind us of the words of another prayer: “Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.” Amen.

This has been Rev. Jim Massey. Next week we will see if we can find creative ways to be sure of our Thanksgiving company.