One advantage of my injury is a healthy dose of humility. I’m constantly reminded of my relative dependence on others.
Yesterday during my bike ride I spent a lot of time thinking about this passage from Deuteronomy 6.
When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:10-12)
It’s intended as a reminder to the people of the Exodus of God’s provision as they entered the Promised Land. But there’s a broader principle.
I drink from wells I did not dig.
I live in a wonderful city I didn’t build. I ride on roads and trails for which I didn’t pay. I live in a beautiful state explored and settled by others, in a country whose relative liberty was secured by others’ vision and sacrifice.
I drink from wells I did not dig. So how am I to respond?
I’m grateful, to God and to the people whose efforts allow me to enjoy so much of what I take for granted.
And I’m responsible, I think, to leave something behind, to build something with all I’ve been given by God. It’s not enough to say thank-you and take all I can for myself. I need to leave a legacy.
I eat the fruit of trees I didn’t plant because others planted trees they might never enjoy.
My bike ride was a good time to reflect on the wells I dig and the trees I plant.
You?
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