Good or Best

The idea of "good enough" or "the best you can do" has been sticking with me since I taught on it a few weeks ago. Yesterday I had a hospital call in Champaign which is about 100 miles away. I drove up and had a very hard time finding the hospital. Then I tried for 40 minutes to find the family. I couldn't get a hold of them or find out if they were even in the hospital. I knew the patient was, but not the family. So I talked with the nurses and asked them what I should do. They said that they would tell the family I was there and that I could probably leave. I had had a long day the day before and was very tempted to take off. I had fulfilled my Pastorly obligation of going to the hospital. No one could fault me for trying right?

Jesus taught us that there is a good way to do something and then their is the best way to do something. It's good to not murder someone. It's best to control your anger and act only in love. It's good to pray. It's best to pray in secret. It's good to give to the poor. It's best to give to the poor and not let anyone know what you are doing. It's good to not commit adultery. It's best to stay away from porn and lust at all costs.

So I stuck around the hospital area. My brother-in-law lives there and he was open for lunch. He even paid for my lunch. I had a good time catching up with him and my friend that works at that same church. They are very funny. On the way back to the hospital the family finally calls and I am able to park, walk, ride the elevator, and see the whole family and the patient (who was recovering). I got to pray for them, hopefully provide a little encouragement, and get to meet some family that I had not met. It was best. I didn't have to do it. I listened to God's teaching in that area and God blessed me because of it.

I share that story because I generally settle for good. So it was a surprise to be so happy that I had chosen best. It's seems like Jesus must know something that the rest of us don't.

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