Half or Double?

2 Kings 2: 9

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"  "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.

I woke up this morning missing home. This storm made me wish I was a daughter again - enjoying my favorite champorado for breakfast and mom’s tamarind soup for lunch, yum! She delighted in serving the best meal when everyone’s around. We’d lazily stay longer in bed or watch a good dvd while she labored long (and alone) in the kitchen ‘til our feast is ready.  I miss those pamper years. Being on the giving end now makes me all the more appreciate my mother’s love and sacrifices. She did it to us for thirty six years. I’m on this job minus thirty and plus complaints. I know still have a lot to learn – not just recipes, but character as well.  Wish I could be at least half her good, for the other half means starting my day at 4am.  Oh well! Maybe on my twentieth year, hahaha :>

Elisha was the kind of student who never settled for anything less. When asked by Elijah for a final wish before his whirlwind, heavenward journey, he did not humbly say ‘be half as good as you’- although considering his mentor’s amazing resume, half is already much. Elisha’s request was to inherit a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. For Israelites, it doesn’t mean doubly better. A double portion was their allotment for firstborns. Yes, literally having two portions of the inheritance, but more as a means to continue their father’s work. It meant acquiring the responsibility and owning the authority for the family line. It was admirable for Elisha to ask that from an itinerant prophet, who was not his father in the first place. Surely he wasn’t after worldy wealth, unless Elijah kept those ravens as pets, haha :> It was the sweetest thing a son could ask from his father – the promise to keep his legacy, the proof he valued his life’s work. Elijah reminded him it was a difficult task to ask, and it wasn’t for him to decide. But if God would grant it, his mentee would continue the unpopular battle against royalty and idolatry. It was his best send off party.  God rewarded his faithfulness in discipling Elisha by seeing his faith and hope alive in him. I’m sure Elijah felt accomplished and complete, and loved. Even before the fiery chariots arrived, he was all up and ready to go.

God designed relationships to be both horizontal and vertical in nature. Horizontal is that part where friendship reigns and mutual care is present. It’s what most people long and enjoy. To have someone to be with, share with, live with. The vertical side is that which exist between parents and kids, bosses and employees, teachers and students, God and man. It’s quite unpopular for those on the down side. We seem to be at the mercy of their will, living under their shadows, doing insignificant, considered-menial jobs. What we fail to see is the privilege of learning from these great beings. What we fail to dream is to receive their double portion. To be like them. To walk in their shoes. At this point in my life, there are a times I wish I could turn back time, be under their tutelage and exhaust their wisdom. There’s more to give now if only I listened more, gathered more back then. Half-full is still half-empty.  And what if the next generation follows our lead. Ever imagined a world of quarter-full peeps? Yup, that’s nearly empty :<

Age Does Matter

2 Samuel 21:17

“But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, ‘Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.”

I have been a Vacation Bible School teacher since first year high.  Back then and even many summers after, I’ve always been the fun, energetic, all-out ate. From preparing visual aids to doing skits, sharing bible stories to leading songs and games, plus a lot other assignments here and there, I can fairly say I did well and still had a lot of energy to spare. Five weeks ago was reality check. Eighteen preschool kids in a well-provided, very conducive room, with two teeners and the kids’ yaya’s as extra hands, (being a mother of two was a felt-advantage too) - - ‘This is easy’ said the confident me. Yes I did pray of course. So that’s faith plus experience plus steadiness, not to mention preparedness and mastery - - and I’m all set. After three long hours of that first day, I slouched alone in a corner, drained, disappointed and disillusioned. And it hit me: I forgot to factor in AGE!!  Twenty plus years difference is that big difference.

I never knew David had another fight with a giant after Goliath. But the closing verses of chapter 21 had an account. Here we see the still-brave and bold hero-turned-king leading his men to another fight with the Philistines.  Seeing Ishbi-Benob from afar brought back memories of his feat with Goliath. Both were from Gath, possibly from the same Rapha line, so maybe he’s seeing a resemblance other than the height. Then there’s the heavily-weighed armor, although this newbie’s spear was just half as that of their old champ. David's confidence on being a seasoned warrior, possibly designing a tried-and-tested strategy himself, and with God on their side, ‘This is easy’ - -could be his thoughts. But in the middle of the game, he became exhausted.  The freshie-giant saw an opening and with his new sword on hand, he rushed towards his sought-after trophy. Praise God Abishai was there as his extra hand, rescuing him from sure death. David’s men swore to him never to go out in battle again. His place is to guide them now, in wisdom and as inspiration. Verse twenty-two proves he accepted that lot, meaning his age too. And so we hear the names Sibecai, Elhanan, Jonathan, and Abishai - - four Israel’s giant-killers, all David’s men. One old hero producing four.  Age does really matter. It can even multiply!

I’m in the process of admitting thirty-six belongs to the old age stratum. I’m sure those forty-ish peeps wouldn’t agree either. But the grooves are at the tip, laps have more catch breaths, I’m minding my health, and I don’t oversleep. More are calling me Tita now instead of Ate - - grrrr! hahaha :>  I know I’m getting there, but not yet 'there'. A few more steps maybe, but a lot to praise and pray for:  Time to praise God I had years on the battlefront, seeing His deliverance before my very eyes; time to still enjoy the present and fight the remaining wars set for me; and, time to pray and discover whom God will send my way to pass on the legacy I myself have received. God has made everything beautiful in its time. We remember Him in our youth, we rest in Him as we grow old, we return to Him at the end of it all. His grace abounds at all age, and where He is, praise is present!