Handle with care
Lessons from Mephibosheth's story
A few days ago, I saw a viral video on X about a mom walking her daughter to school. They were stopped by an interviewer who threw a challenge at the mom to list countries of the world alphabetically. The woman started but struggled to get past "A."
Undeterred, her daughter opted to take up the challenge but her mum resisted: “You can do what? It’s A-Z”. However, the interviewer handed the mic to the young girl. She went on to list the 26 countries. When she reached "Z", her mom, who initially doubted her, exploded in a joyful scream.
I had another opening planned for this letter, but then I saw the video and it changed my mind. However, it still captures what I wanted to reflect on today.
Like that mom in the video, we often underestimate the potential within ourselves – the amazing things we're "carrying" without even realising it. It's like that moment a baby grabs your expensive phone, completely oblivious to its actual value and just wanting to chew on it. Sometimes, we are even aware but take it for granted.
In 2 Samuel, we read an interesting story about Mephibosheth.
Son of Jonathan, King David's best friend, Mephibosheth became crippled as a child. What happened? His nurse was trying to flee with him for safety but probably due to how she was carrying him, he fell and became lame in both legs.
Mephibosheth's condition prevented him from following in his father's footsteps. Jonathan was renowned for his strength, agility, and skill in archery and slinging. While David, honouring Jonathan's memory, welcomed Mephibosheth to eat at the king's table, his disability limited his ability to take on a more active role in the kingdom. He would have possibly joined the military but considering that he became crippled on both legs at five, he possibly didn’t even get an opportunity to train.
Mephibosheth's story always makes me wonder about his nurse. Knowing his future place of honour at the king's table, would she have held him with even greater care? Perhaps, if she'd glimpsed such a destiny, her every action would have been imbued with an extra layer of protectiveness.
Like the nurse entrusted with Mephibosheth’s care, we are all stewards of something precious. The question is: "Are we handling our responsibilities with the same diligence?" Just as Mary and Joseph nurtured Jesus, are we nurturing the potential within those/things entrusted to us?
I started with the story of the woman and her daughter because you might be careless with something or someone when you don’t know its worth. The difference between the earthly parents of Jesus and Mephibosheth’s nurse is that knowledge: they knew who they were carrying.
Understanding shapes our choices – what we eat, watch, do, and say.
This reflection is a call to action for both of us. Let's take some time to consider our purpose in life and the potential we each hold. We need to be good stewards of these gifts. Imagine reaching a pivotal moment in our lives, only to discover we haven't developed our talents – a sad state of affairs, like “a grown man but lame”.
But then…How do I know what I am ‘carrying’? Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you. He holds the answer to the question. He knows everything that he has placed under your stewardship, and if you diligently seek Him, he will surely make it known to you.
Before we end, remember that a steward does not just safeguard, he serves as an administrator. So, even after you’ve known how to nurse the “Mephiboseth” in your care, you still need God to guide you on how to administer it.
Have a great weekend!
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NOTE: It's important to acknowledge that everyone has unique abilities. This reflection is inspired by the story of Mephibosheth, and the valuable lessons it offers, not intended to diminish the capabilities of those living with disabilities. Thank you!
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Let’s do this: Instead of sharing what I am reading, watching and listening to, I would like you to share with me yours.
Dear Stone,
I see that the Mephibosheth story has a great toll on you. I suppose that the first time I had you share this story was during our 200-level. Up until now, you are still recounting its lessons, it must have been a dazzle for you. Now thinking about the whole story of Mephibosheth, could we say the nurse was careless? Could we say she was insensitive to the child's status- a king’s child? Thank you dear Stone for loading me with this story seasoned with wake-up call lessons. I have sometimes neglected what I “carry“ for the reason of not being good enough. But I am in this letter admonished to take action and be responsible.
I was waiting patiently to hear your current read and the song you are listening to but you broke my heart. I will share mine though. I am reading Becoming a Woman of Excellence by Cynthia Heald. I was not listening to any song while writing this.
It’s how you’re able to pack so much in a few words! Thank you for these profound words🥹