Inspired Real Estate For Today

One day, several years ago, I arrived early for a meeting.  Now, this is not typical.  I think I thrive on the adrenaline rush of being where I'm supposed to be 'just in time.'  Anyway, on this particular day I was so early that I had about a half an hour to sit in the parking lot.  It was sunny and pleasant.  However, my mind was not enjoying the beauty of the day.  I was deeply immersed in another activity...worrying.

As I rehashed the troublesome scenario, my attention was distracted by a little play that was happening just outside my car.  On the sidewalk, two birds were playing. They were hopping around, flying a little distance and  thoroughly enjoying themselves totally oblivious to Ms. Worry Wort baking in her car.  Or... perhaps, they were sent to get my attention.

Because suddenly, I was jolted by a small thought that entered my mind...I realised that I'd never seen a skinny robin.  I became mesmerized by the play, these birds were so joyful.  They seemed unconcerned about where there next meal was going to come from.  They were enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.  It struck me that if God knew how to feed robins and keep them plump and healthy, perhaps, I could trust Him to take care of my 'little issues' too.

This is one example of the many metaphors in nature that sacred scripture uses to instruct us about human tendencies.  There is the short inspiration about the fact that the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, was not arrayed as gorgeously, in all his splendor, as the lilies of the field.  We are admonished to observe the ant and follow it's example of storing up provisions for hard times even when it works in a manner similar to an Independent Contractor. Time and time again, insight from the world of nature reveals truth to us human beings if we will take the time to listen.

But, there was one story that never seemed to make sense.  It was about Pigs & Pearls.  In fact, Jesus said it this way in Matthew 7:6

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."  

While I didn't have problems with positive associations in the animal kingdom, this example always seemed sort of harsh.  Was he really talking about human beings and if so what was the appropriate comparison to pigs and dogs?

Well, the context of this verse is surprising.  This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most famous sermons ever preached.  The specific verses preceding this statement is about Judging other people and being a hypocrite by not dealing with the stuff that is a huge plank in our own eye before wanting to pluck out the speck of distraction in other people's eyes.  Essentially Jesus was saying...'Don't be the blind man trying to lead others."  Deal with your own issues first!

It begins to make sense.  When you think about it...What sort of person in his right mind, takes something sacred and gives it to a dog who will tear it apart.  What sort of fool gives precious pearls to a pig who will gladly receive them only to wallow in the mud?  Dogs and pigs do what dogs and pigs do...this should be obvious to all intelligent people.  But is it?

Apparently not, or this admonition would have been unnecessary.  Perhaps, we need to focus on WHY we fail to see a dog and pig clearly for what they are. Perhaps, we might consider what areas of our own lives are too painful to examine.  In what ways do we pluck out specks in other people's eyes rather than deal with the huge planks in our own? Could blindness from plank sized debris distort vision & right perspective?

Perhaps, this type of internal disorientation is what creates the unlikely scenario in which we begin to give dogs sacred things which should be cherished and then share our treasured pearls with swine who will not only misuse them, but turn around and tear us to pieces. 

As I reflect on this, I think that dogs and pigs are metaphors.   They represent the ways in which we compromise our selves.  It's sometimes easier to give ourselves at any cost and ignore the fact that saving your best self for your clients and people who don't know you is a betrayal of those who love us and hold us dear.  We sometimes downplay the care and service we give as something which can be trampled on by individuals who do not respect our knowledge, time or attention.  It is in these ways that we ultimately give pearls to pigs and watch our treasures be trampled on.

So, what does it mean to take 'Proper Care of Pearls'? 

Well, for starters, it starts with respecting oneself enough to own up to foolishness.  I've noticed that the temptation to judge other people is a good clue about what needs to be examined in my own life. 

Next, Learn to say NO.  Just because you are asked to give something doesn't mean that you should. 

Then determine to give yourself the respect that you deserve.  Why should others respect us when we don't respect ourselves.  Stop doing things that serve the ego and deplete the true core of who you are.  It seems to me that Dogs & Swine are much easier to recognize when your gaze is unobstructed and your eyes are wide open.

Here are some other entries in the what it means series (9)

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