Jimbo's Jots

Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2024!! Welcome to the time of year when most people look at 2023 evaluating the good and bad that happened within the year. We turn the page of the calendar and look at 2024, setting goals and seeing what this year will bring.

I heard this story about the actor Sir Michael Caine. Early in his career as a stage actor, Mr. Caine was in a play. In the scene, as he tells the story, he was to enter through a door as a couple on stage were arguing. During a rehearsal, as he opened the door, he noticed a chair in the way. He wasn’t sure how to respond to the chair. The director told him this, “Use the difficult. If the chair is in a comedy, trip over it. If it is a drama, use it as you see it to add to the story. Use the difficult.” The story continues as he tells it. Mr. Caine adds that this has been his mantra with his acting career.

As I heard this story about Mr. Caine, I was quickly drawn to idea of a new year and working with people both in ministry and in counseling opportunities. Here are some observations:

• Some people have a hard time just getting past the chair. The difficulties they face often seem bigger than they really are. There they stand on the grand stage of life, with the door open, frozen at the chair.
• Some people look at the chair and are able to maneuver around or maybe even over the chair. It could be an obstacle, but it does not deter them from their goals to move ahead.
• Some will use the chair and have a seat. They see the chair as a place to stop and reflect. It’s not really an obstacle, but a moment to pause life for a bit.

Then, I think of something Jesus said,

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

It just reminds me that regardless of the chairs that are on our stage, Jesus, the director of the show, has given us the proper prompts to work around the chairs or even use the chairs to help us with the production. Jesus gives us everything we need to help overcome the chairs on our stage. Because of this, we can “use the difficult” to help us along our path of life. He has promised to guide us and help us overcome them.

Be blessed as we use the difficult! Be a blessing to others on the stage as well!