2 Timothy 2: 23-24
Over the last 6 years working at America Keswick, the one thing that has stood out the most is how much patience I have learned. Anyone that knows Keswick, it’s a revolving door of the men that come in and out of the Colony of Mercy. We are thrilled for the men that graduate and stay focused on the Lord. Some stay on longer in discipleship or internship. But every man has a different walk and a different story to tell. And learning to deal with all the personality’s take time and PATIENCE!!
One recent morning getting ready to feed about 140 people breakfast, I’m in early and formulate a plan of action for the day. My first person is due in at 6 am and the next two are in at 7 am. Perfect, everyone shows up the day will be smooth. Then it happens. My 6 am shows up at 7, one of my 7 am men take a 24. In another galaxy far far away, I would have been a raving lunatic. Much to my surprise, I said nothing!! A new plan was in place within a few minutes and we got through it.
So, what has changed me over the years? The Bible of course! 2 Timothy 2:24 came to mind “And the Lords servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” Sure, there are lessons to be learned from this. Making sure you are on time for any job you have. Waiting for the right moment to speak to people. Paul was teaching Timothy to be the kind of Godly servant he needed to be. Verse 23 “don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels”
I love giving the men of the Colony of Mercy life lessons, teaching them how they should work, how to love the Lord, how they should love their wives and family, need be a good citizen of this world we live in. I could have never done this if the Lord didn’t take hold of my life and teach me to “Be Gentle”.
Written by Robert Breault: Robert is a full-time staff member serving anyone who’s hungry in the Food Service Department. He is married to Shirley Holmes-Breault who volunteers at the Colony of Mercy at the intake office. Robert and Shirley love the beach, Schroon Lake and their 3 Children and 2 Grandchildren.
