My New Favorite Word

This past week I had an encouraging encounter with one of our CCS grandparents. As is so common in our current context, the grandparent was helping with the transportation of some of our JH/HS students due to their unique schedules. On their drive home, this conscious-stricken grandparent suddenly became alerted that perhaps there was another student who was supposed to be in their carpool whom they may have left behind. So they turned around and returned to campus to enlist our staff to make sure the student was where they were supposed to be. 

We confirmed quite quickly that the student had indeed been transported home through other means despite some unintended miscommunication. I remarked to the gracious grandparent, “Patience and flexibility. They seem like our new reality.” The grandparent paused, stared into space for a few seconds, then clarified, “Actually, all we need is flexibility, because patience is always built into flexibility.”

I have been reflecting on these wise words the past few days and currently have a new favorite word: FLEXIBILITY!  I love its definition of “being able to bend easily without breaking.”  With so many circumstances out of our control that often seem to drive us to our breaking point, our interactions with each other should not contribute to this breaking point, but rather relieve it. The familiar statement from Paul “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” declared a lifestyle of flexibility.  Whatever the situation: hunger, abundance, carline, masks, no water, new restrictions, and ongoing ups and downs, we are intended to bend and not break through the help of Jesus living through us. 

Jesus confirmed that the two greatest commands are to simply love God and love others. This small moment with this grandparent was a reminder of the many faithful parents, grandparents, teachers, and students who daily demonstrate flexibility in their interactions with others. I am encouraged to daily respond in love and obedience to God and in love and grace with others.  Flexibility is often most available, effective, and consistent when connected to a fixed point. We rejoice in the absolute truth of the rock of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His presence in us to be flexible in the world.