Dave Dishman

My wife and I are in Spain preparing for a week on the Camino de Santiago. In a couple of days we’ll meet the rest of the group we’re leading (19 of us in total) and begin our pilgrimage.

One of the pleasures along the trail is the food. I look for favorites from past trips, including pulpo (octopus) sliced thin, squid (to which I’m allergic so I only dare a nibble), and lots of gelato. But my absolute number one is Pimientos de Padrón, a small, mild, green pepper flash fried in olive oil, tossed with crunchy sea salt and served hot. I order those everywhere possible.

When I enjoy such wonders of the table I’m reminded of David’s words: Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

I travel the Camino de Santiago to grow closer to the Lord. The pilgrimage forms a powerful time to pray, question, and work out my faith. The physicality of walking centers me. Mile after mile the beautiful countryside enchants with sights and sounds. Then comes the pleasure of stopping at the end of the day and enjoying a nice meal. The Lord didn’t have to create me with taste buds. But when I pause, savor and reflect, I gain a deeper appreciation and fondness for our amazing God.

Psalm 34:8&9

Photo by Dina Spencer

Martin Luther King Jr. famously preached, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. I recently read this quote from Bono, The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice. It has to be bent, and this requires sheer force of will. I believe that MLK and the rest of us would agree. No matter how the moral universe turns—justice don’t come easy.

David faced rebellion from within his family and trusted advisors. Due in part to his own sin, a peaceful kingdom fell into chaos. In the midst of his trials, David turned to the Lord as he sought justice.

Those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

We too can trust in the Lord, and even rejoice knowing that by his hand the mouths of liars will be stopped. MLK built his calls for fairness and equity upon his faith in God, and Bono does the same today. The moral arc of the universe might indeed bend toward justice, but only if we involve the Lord in its bending.

Psalm 63

Photo by DIEU

We find mention of two brothers within the story of David, both sons of David’s older brother Shimea.

The first, Jonathan, served in the army and like his uncle before him, fought face to face with a giant. There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, struck him down. 

The other brother, Jonadab, worked as as advisor to the king’s court. David’s son Amnon sought Jonadab’s advice for a burning issue. Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimea, David’s brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man. Shockingly, the conniving cousin urged Amnon to commit incest with his sister Tamar, setting off years of pain and recriminations.

Two brothers, one a fighter and the other a schemer. The first chose a route of service and sacrifice. The other an avenue of comfort and intrigue. When did their paths diverge?

We don’t know the details. But I have a sense that each made a series of small decisions throughout their young lives that led to vastly different outcomes. We see this story played out again and again.

Pay attention to choices. Seemingly innocuous decisions lead to results beyond our imagination. Also, don’t be reticent to speak into the lives of those in your orbit who seem to be aiming at the wrong target. A well-spoken word often turns a young person from getting to giving, and in so doing changes the trajectory of their life.

2 Samuel 13:3 & 1 Chronicles 20:7

Photo by Annie Spratt

In speaking to a group of church members, Paul quoted a line from Jesus passed down by his disciples—It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This may be the most repeated sound bite of Sunday School teachers over the years, along with sit down and don’t touch your neighbor. Do you remember when you first heard these words? I certainly don’t, but I got the message often and from a variety of sources. Unfortunately, I don’t hear it enough these days and it bears repeating.

Paul shared the verse in regards to helping those who were lacking in their community. Through the centuries followers of Jesus applied this teaching in myriads of situations. I also need to give, and do so without strings or expectations. It’s good both for me and the receiver of my gift.

In today’s high-tech age with all our possessions and conveniences and entertainments and foods to eat, the truth remains. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35

Photo by Nichika Sakurai