"Nobody stepped up." Did you notice that phrase as you read the bulletin last week? Randy's not one to ever ask for help in writing bulletins. (Unless he injures his elbow and can't type, of course.) I know he appreciates the opportunity to share bits of wisdom, but it's nice to have a day off once in a while. I guess we should have realized that he would be out of town and that we might have offered to take the responsibility for the week, but we were too busy with ourselves I suspect. Although I'm a day late and a dollar short, I told him I'd do the bulletin this week.

I originally wanted to write about another topic but the thought didn't quite come to fruition. Therefore you'll be stuck with an old idea I've had kicking around since the summer. While on a trip with another family, I overheard a conversation that immediately made me think of a bulletin.

It seems there was a big celebration of young people and they were meeting and making many friends. Two young ladies had prepared for the final day of the celebration and were eager to meet the young men one last time before parting company. Each young lady had dressed in her finest clothes to catch the young men's eye. They each brought a camera (digital, of course) to snap some pictures of the young men to remember them until they met again.

Both young ladies were taking pictures when one camera started to beep. "Lo Batt" was the reading on the camera display of Betty.

"Oh great. I can't take anymore pictures until I get a new battery," said Betty. "Sister, will you share your camera with me so that I may take some pictures?" she asked.

"No, Betty," Linda responded. "If! let you use my camera, there won't be enough time for us to both take the pictures we need. Also, you may waste my battery as you have wasted your own," explained Linda. "I have been saving my battery for just this occasion. Go to the store a purchase a new battery."

"But Linda, the store is closed because of the celebration. You're not being nice," replied Betty. She then decided to call on a higher authority.

"Mom - Tell Linda to share her camera with me so that we both may take pictures of the bo...friends we have met at the celebration," pleaded Betty.

"Now, Betty," said their mother. "Linda has prepared herself and planned for this day by ensuring she has enough battery power. You have been careless. I will not make her share. Besides, Matthew 25 tells me that the wise virgins don't have to share with the foolish virgins. You'll have to take your chances and hope the boys... I mean friends will remember you for the good times you have had together."

Is that what you would have said as the parent of these two young ladies? No. You would have made them share. (Just like the mother in the real story.) But as I heard the events unfold, I was reminded of this parable. Surely God is not teaching us not to share. (Acts 4:32) But God does teach us to prepare for the final day. Will God remember you for the good times you had together? Will he be pleased with you? Or will you be off buying batteries when he comes and he never calls you. Will your final date be with God? Or will God invite someone else to his party?

Tom