This week I decided to post a more lighthearted blog. Reader’s discretion is advised for those who may be eating now or plan to do so soon.
***
Jumbo is not a noun that we are familiar with in America but here in Africa it refers to our toilets, (if they qualify as “toilets”.) Truth be told, we are not quite sure what they are. Definitely not a restroom, bathroom, porta-potie, or even rest stop for that matter. Yet, they are the place that we do our “business” and unfortunately, spend a considerable amount of time often due to our new African diets.
We have three Jumbos. The first one is green. This one is rarely used due to a complete lack of air flow. The second one is a tin shack with “Jumbo” written on the door, (hence the name.) And the third is just like the second minus the door factor.
In these three vessels I have found that many biblical truths are represented and often overlooked so I thought that I might bring five of them to the light. Enjoy!
1) God is the Ultimate Reliever of Burdens
Psalms 55:22 Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you
I will be honest; pooping here is a big deal for our team. Between half of us going to often and the other half not going at all we often know the status of one another’s latest bowel movements. For those that have been struggling to go, there is nothing like hearing their excitement upon achieving “Jumbo Success.”
Just as the Jumbo is the place where we can be relieved of our digestive burdens, God is the ultimate reliever of our live burdens.
2) Humility
Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Having a Jumbo without a door, surprise visitors while doing your business are common. Getting walked in on by a teammate is not such a big thing. The fun surprises come from the road which happens to have a lovely view of our open-air Jumbo.
Between trucks beds full of people, kids walking to and from school and the occasional passer-by a serious amount of humility is needed to avoid painful embarrassment.
3) Living by Faith
Romans 1:17b “The righteous will live by faith.”
Despite what one would assume, Jumbo is not exactly the sturdiest structure. When you place your rurmp upon the “seat” the entire inside self sinks in. Sometimes it is hard to relax when the only thing holding you from falling into a pile of poop is bending, creaking, and all around being sketchy. It takes faith in that Jumbo to 1.relax 2.execute 3.escape
God is not sketchy, but there are times in my faith when the wind seems to blow extra hard and shakes where I think I stand. It’s important to realize that God deserves every ounce of our faith and He never fails.
4) Run in a way to Achieve the Prize
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
It is probably safe to say that everyone on the team has made at least one “Jumbo-run.” I mean where we literally run to Jumbo because if we aren’t there soon something else will be in our pants.
That is one particular race that people always run to win. Just as we run for Jumbo, we need to run in our faith with the intensity to win the prize.
5) Being a light
Matthew 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.
The Jumbos aren’t exactly equipped with lights that can be flipped on upon entrance. All light must be brought with you upon entrance in the night. Headlamps are the most common form of light, especially in the Jumbo where a hands-free device is required. The only problem is that the light which is strapped to your forehead is irresistibly attractive to all flying creatures of the earth. You are trying to do your business in peace but flies, months, and worse are pelting you in the face trying to get your light.
Our light for Jesus should be like this and should be so intense that it has this affect on the world. Our lights should shine in a way that people flock to it to see what it’s all about.
