Christian Family Services Ministry

10-4-2022 – A Word to the Wise – ASSIGNMENTS

I am seventy-seven years old. A great deal of that time I have been given ‘assignments, particularly in school. Only on rare occasion did I completely do those assignments, and then grudgingly. The major exception had to do with police work. The assignments given in these classes I knew my life and others depended on, not just knowing but practicing.

But back on topic. As a therapist for the last 40 years, I have given a variety of assignments to clients that the Lord gave me to give. I suspect that ninety percent were never completed, probably closer to 98 per cent. Three of the main assignments; a summary of each session, an assignment for anxiety, depression, and assignments dealing with addiction. Only rarely did individuals put anything into the assignments (like 2 sentences to summarize an hour-long session!) or those avoided like a plague dealing with anxiety and addiction. Like me many are just too lazy or wanted me to do it for them. Lately the Lord gave me some assignments to do as well as for those who wanted to acquire the benefits.

That is when the Lord confronted me with my own failure to do the math assignments, English assignments (as you can tell) or, well I always did the chemistry assignments that dealt with explosives, even put them to practice!

So, I cannot blame others for doing what I did, or did not do. Many of you teachers and professors experience the same problem with students. Lately the Lord gave me another assignment which I share with those who wish to explore it. The assignment has to do with acquiring a heart of thankfulness. Simply speaking taking in 3-year segments starting with birth list three things done for you by another. That is give the first name, what was done. So, list 3 different individuals, or things done, knowledge shared, or physical, emotional help provided. Just 3 per day for seven days. The set starts over again with the next age brackets 4-through 6, and so on. (Do not complain I am 77 and have a lot of work to do).

Part of this type assignment I have given for years yet never, never, has anyone every listed the great deal of diapers changed! Imagine not thankful for those diaper changes.

I do not know the result yet for I just started but maybe some would like to try the assignments as well, or not. I know, just too much work, you know, it’s a busy day.