Saturday, ahhh got to love a day of catch up. Well, there are several thoughts behind kissing under the mistletoe tree which are probably all beneficial, however, the primary original thought was behind the idea of restoring fertility. The Druids, Greeks, and Romans all had this intention when encouraging the tradition. This was probably due to the fact that the mistletoe plant remains green even in the worst winter conditions.
On the lighter side: What can you hold in your left hand, but not in your right hand? Make a guess!!
Challenge:
Ecclesiastes 10:5,6 "There is another evil I have seen under the sun. Kings and rulers make a grave mistake when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth."
Here in this verse Solomon isn't attempting to cast judgement on anyone, but rather to warn those who have been given authority to use it effectively and properly. To be cautious when lending influence to others, that it isn't wasted. To bare in mind that the right person is the one who proves his ability to improve and strengthen his efforts for others, not to control individuals but rather to guide them.
Solomon recounts this same lesson in Proverbs 30:21-23 where he points out four failures of the one given a place of influence. One of the four poor distinctives is to "place a slave in the position of king." The slave is accustomed to following orders, but usually is not able to determine directives for the success in the long run for others without input, guidance, and instruction.
We have all experienced working under leaders who have risen to places of influence above where they are capable of achieving success, which results in frustration and failure. They did well in a certain position, but due to that success they were placed in a position that is outside of their wheelhouse.
This is a warning to be regarded for both those who are given this opportunity that may not be the best placement of their skills, and secondly for those working with others who need guidance to achieve success in that new position.
It is up to us to determine just where we can provide our best skills in ministry, and then to head in that direction. We should be determined to take these very skills in our place in ministry. To determine where we are best gifted and then to determine how to develop others around us and to become skilled in their area of ministry. We need to determined to always be developing those around us in minitry and then to attempt to stretch them to those new skills.
SO GO WITH GOD for His greatest desire is for others to grow and be developing in new areas of ministry. In other words keep your eyes on the mission and attempt to guide those around you to new and enlightening skills for their future.
I agree with Brenda, right hand.