"Slighted in Return for Kindness" Genesis 39-40; Matthew 11

Chief bakers and cupbearers, the in-crowd of the world, they forgot about the advice and rescue and kindness of Joseph.  Just slipped their entitled minds.  Gen 40:23. The emoluments of their office went to their heads and hearts.  Vanished from their recollections.  Tonight, at dinner, I tried to hide back the tears as we talked about slights that happened to us in return for our kindness.  And I thought about my future, being older ---- maybe no one may want to be around.  Why do I think it strange in this world when unreturned love is shown for my love?  Joseph will learn in his disappointment to trust in God alone.  I might blame the chief butler for his foaming ingratitude toward Joseph, but what about my distance and lack of gratitude toward God, toward you?  And I must live remembering that there is One Above who will deliver Joseph and me at the proper time---"lift up my head."

Photo:  Pops and Zekey.  Circa 2015.  Your Grandpa is one human who lives remembering the One Above. Never seen a person so willing to let God deliver him from the distance and dilemmas of life.  He always says: If they don't want your love, there are hundreds more that do. Let it go.