This morning, I watched the trailer to a movie that came out in 1980. I opted not to see the movie when it was released, and even after seeing the trailer this morning, I'm opting not to see it now. However, there is something about the storyline that resonates with me primarily because in one of John Ortberg's books, he spelled it out for me.
Ortberg says: "Here is the story of your life: 'You are on a mission from God.' Interestingly, he predicated his observation by referring to the movie, "The Blues Brothers."
The Blues Brothers is a movie that was released 44 years ago. You may have used discretionary judgment and opted not to see it. According to the storyline, following his release from prison after serving three years for armed robbery, Jake Blues (John Belushi) reunites with his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd). As you might suspect, they are known as the "Blues Brothers".
Immediately after being released from prison, Jake learns that the orphanage where he and Elwood grew up is on the threshold of closing. Unless $5,000 to pay the back taxes can be raised in the next week and a half, the operation will have no alternative but to close.
The two brothers believe the key to being able to keep the orphanage operational rests in their ability to reunite their old band and start making money. However, in the process of playing several gigs they make a few enemies including the police. Despite the opposition, they are steadfast in their determination to "save the day", so to speak.
John Ortberg expressed it this way: "Any time they were asked about their work, they had a standard response: 'We're on a mission from God'. They always said it like they believed it was true. Of course, the very idea that two inept, unworthy human beings could be on a mission form God was the primary joke of the story". Yet, could it be true? Could unworthy human beings be on a mission from God? Could it be true of you? Could it be true of me?
I'd be the first to admit that anytime I can invest efforts at contributing to quality-of-life issues for others, it is absolutely true of me. I hang on to the concept of grace to keep me going. I wish I were more consistent at getting it right, but broken is the only way I come. I would be a hopeless case apart from the concept of unconditional love.
The ability to see others with compassion and a desire to ease their burden in any way possible is a privilege. Fortunately, God doesn't mandate perfection to permit us opportunities to participate in the process. He is very skilled at smoothing out the rough spots and capturing the higher, less selfish moments of our lives.
In terms of things that hold importance, is there anything more rewarding than coming along side someone at the point of need and offering encouragement and support? Sometime the ability to express that we care, makes all the difference in the world.
All My Best!
Don
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