Top of the morning to you...

In a previous teaching job I had the opportunity to accompany a group of high school students on a five day camping trip to the Snowy Mountains. It involved carrying everything... tents, food, air mats, sleeping bags and clothing. The weather was hot during the day and below freezing at night. It was absolutely beautiful country and the trek involved both hiking and canoeing. The air was fresh and clean and the night sky was so bright and full of stars it was difficult to pick out even the well known constellations. It was simply an unforgettable experience. Each group had a specialist outdoor ed teacher with them guiding the trek and every morning they would radio in. Many of the staff were from overseas, including some from Canada and New Zealand. Each morning over the radio, a Canadian team leader would start out by saying, "Top of the morning to you!" It stuck in my memory, not merely because it reminded me of my Canadian cousins, but because it was quite 'different' to most Aussie greetings - especially first thing in the morning! It stood out because it started me thinking about what we wish for others and what we wish for ourselves. In a group of competitors for instance, what we wish for them and what we wish for ourselves are usually two very different things. We are taught to win, to be the first, to beat the others. In everyday life, how often do we view others as competitors? How often do we want to be the ones to stand out, to be recognized, to win people's favour and attention? Do we wish for them what we wish for ourselves? This is a difficult thing, especially when people's desires are competing. When it comes to our Christian brothers and sisters, it's good to remember that although our desires may be competing, we ourselves are not. "We're all in this together". The prize is for finishing the race... not for coming first. Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Phil.2:3). God is the giver of all good things and we need not be concerned about how we fare when compared to others. For each of us has been given different gifts according to the provision of God's grace. It's good to remember what we've received... Again Paul writes, " So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (Col.2:6-7). I need to be reminded of these things often... and even when I may have competing desires with my Christian brothers and sisters, I long to see all of them remain in God's family and be presented perfect in Christ. This is the best thing we could wish for anyone.