In the musical “The Music Man” there is a wonderful song called, “The Wells Fargo Wagon.” The words are “The Wells Fargo wagon is a-comin down the street. Oh, please let it be for me. I wish – I wish I knew what it could be.” Every time the big brown UPS truck comes up my street my brain sings that song. I kind of like it because it’s a fun song. It reflects an immature childishness of wanting something. Just something. Nothing in particular. That bothers me a bit. Because I am sated with things. I am like the Laodicean church in Revelation. I have need of nothing. I can only wear one pair of shoes at a time. I have a pair.
The world has two billion people who really need things – essentials. Here I sit in a warm home surrounded by my books and electronics. My fridge is adequately full and yet I want more. I could beat on myself for this. But I teach psychology and I know it is just being a human being. I am sure Bill Gates has moments when he wants more. He cannot help himself. He’s human.
This is why it is essential that we give. We must give to counterbalance this primitive selfishness that lurks beneath our thin shell of being civilized. Perhaps it feels so good to give because we have a moment of knowing we are not just animals. We are sons and daughters of the living God who made us to be like Him and He is a giver. He gives us everything we need each day. And so we give. When someone gives us something, we receive and we just gave them an opportunity to also be a giver. We both grew.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 17, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org