Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

6 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2011 SCOTT HUCK | CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY Life at 80 percent: Your colleague approaches you and says, “Can you take my shift this weekend? We’ve got a family crisis. My sister is having surgery; I think it’s cancer.” You say, “Sure, I can take your shift. I’ve got some margin in my life. I like you, and I hope your sister’s OK.” Then the town soccer league calls: “The fourth-grade coach has broken her leg. Could you coach the kids for two or three months?” You say, “Great, thanks for asking me. I need some exercise. I like the kids, and I’m glad to help.” Your spouse, if you happen to be married, says, “Let’s take the neighbors out to dinner Friday night. They’ve lived next to us for two years, and we don’t even know what they look like.” You say, “Let’s do it.” Life at 100 percent: Your colleague says, “Can you take my shift this weekend?” You say, “Well, I’d like to, but I don’t know if I can. I’ll let you know tomorrow …Well, I’ll tell you what, I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I’ll do it. But just this once, OK?” You walk away thinking, “What’s happening to me? I always wanted to help people, but I don’t even care about this person anymore.” And they call from the soccer league. “Could you coach the fourth-grade team?” You say, “I’d love to, but I can’t right now. Call me down the road, when life gets better.” Your spouse says, “How about taking the neighbors out to dinner on Friday night?” You say, “Let’s do it in July. Maybe we can fit it in then. We can’t do it this week.” Life at 120 percent: Your colleague asks, “Can you take my shift this weekend?” You say, “Stop right there. I quit. I’m sick and tired of everyone dumping their load and expecting me to bail them out at the last minute. I’ve had it. I’m out of here.” They call from the soccer league. “Could you coach the fourth-grade kids?” You say, “I hate kids! And you’re an idiot! Who gave you my number, anyway? Don’t ever call me again.” And your spouse says, “How about taking the neighbors out to dinner on Friday night?” You say, “ You can do whatever you want. I’ll tell you what I’m doing. I’m coming home at 5:30 p.m. and closing the door. And locking it. With a deadbolt. I’m turning off the light and closing the curtains. I’m pushing the refrigerator and television next to the bed, and I’m not coming out until Monday morning.” What changed in these scenarios? What was being asked of you was precisely the same. In which scenario were you a better advertisement for the things of God? Creating Space Can you see the practical implications for a life of service, connection with God, or any