Proverbs 25:6-7 (NRSV)
Read Proverbs 25:6-7 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
Verse 7for it is better to be told, "Come up here,"
Devotion
Five years ago when we bought our house, we figured the reason our garage had not only a front garage door but also a back garage door was to accommodate a gardener or maybe a car mechanic. At no point did we imagine that the back door was put in place to use 12 days of the year when the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" (the State Fair) descends on our neighborhood. You see, the additional doorway was to allow cars to be parked not only in our front yard but also in our backyard. Unbeknown to us, we had been given a little-known but important vocation: hospitality in the form of providing parking spots for fair-goers!
We did not seek this role, but nonetheless, whether we wanted it or not, people would park in our yard. So we have embraced it — most days — and have learned a lot along the way. The blessings have been abundant as our neighborhood pulls together and looks out for one another throughout the days of the State Fair.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, help us to recognize the opportunity before us to connect and grow as we embrace roles we did not ask for but are called to do. In the name of our Lord, we pray. Amen.