It's Nice to Be Wanted, Barnabas

Everybody needs to be needed - it's a basic human, well, need. All of us know about rejection. Some of us have lived lives full of rejection:

• A parent who rejected you by abandoning you and your family early in life
• A mate who walked out and said they didn't love you any more and rejected you and your love
• A boss who rejected your work and fired you from a job
• A teacher who rejected your creativity or unique way of doing things and said you would never amount to much or who rejected you by not giving you an opportunity you deserved
• A Christian who disagreed with your theology and rejected not only your position but you as well
• The dog who ran away rather than be your pet!

Most of us have degrees in rejection. Some people seem to specialize in rejecting others (I know someone named Carla who does this all the time - did it to Joanie and me) and get a perverse joy out creating havoc in other's lives and spirits. Others are so sick themselves that they can only feel well by making others sick - kind of like "Munchausen by proxy" for the sick soul. So, when you have those moments where you are accepted rather than rejected; when you are appreciated rather than denounced; when you are built up rather than torn down - these are the times you should celebrate and these are the days you should remember.
Today I went to a luncheon for some of the Adjunct Faculty at Fuller. Since I am teaching two classes this quarter, I am considered an visiting member of the Fuller faculty. It was a nice luncheon and a good time. After it was over, the director who works with the Adjunct Faculty in the hiring of them for these positions approached me to ask if I would be able to teach again this summer. I told her I would. She then asked if she could put me on the schedule for the Fall and keep me going in this direction. Man, its nice to be wanted!
When the Apostle Paul was rejected by the early church because of their fear of his persecution tactics, Paul left Jerusalem and nearly was lost to the church. But someone remembered him. His name was Barnabas. Barnabas found Paul, put him back on the ministry track, and took him with his group on their first Missionary Journey. Ah, if it hadn't been for Barnabas there would have been no Paul.
Someone once told me everyone should have a "Timothy" - someone in whom you are investing your life and pouring out yourself. They also said everyone should be a Barnabas - someone who believes in someone else and helps them in their mission and ministry. Linda Peacore, the director who works with Adjuncts, is being my Barnabas. Everyone needs a Barnabas. Who's yours? And, if you have that person or not, in whom are you investing yourself? Even a pat on the back can make a difference. Who are you encouraging?