Even Though

Sitting around the table for family dinners is always entertaining with three boys. As you can imagine, there are plenty of noises and conversations to be heard. On one particular night I noticed something new taking place through the sounds coming from these boys. They were having a full conversation in their own language, complete with inside jokes they had made up just between them. Their laughter was drawing me in, yet, I knew it was something special to them. It was as if mom wasn’t allowed to be a part of their moment. So, all I could do is just watch as they cracked-up laughing at their secret communication. It made me wonder what I was missing out on.  And yet, even though I take care of them; even though I make sure they have what they need when they need it; even though I get them where they need to go; even though I encourage them, keep them fed, and pray for them every day…there are some things I will never be included in regarding their brotherhood. And you know what?  That’s okay. There are some areas in life we get to be a part of, but not always included in.  

There’s a story in 1 Chronicles 23 that talks about a man named Benaiah who was a part of something great, but not included. Here’s how scripture describes it:

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of a brave man from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. Benaiah killed two sons of Ariel of Moab, and he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. He also killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went down to him with a club, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and then killed him with his own spear. These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who had a reputation among the three warriors. He was the most honored of the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

 (1 Chronicles 23:20-23)

Benaiah was loyal to his king and the people of Israel. He was obviously passionate about his service. Dude was fearless and hardcore! He did great and mighty works on the battle field, yet he was never considered a part of David’s Three Mighty Men.  His feats were overshadowed by others who were thought to be mightier than him. You know what… that’s okay! Even though he took care of his fellow soldiers; even though he risked his life to protect them; even though he won battles on their behalf; even though he may have even fed them and prayed for them every day…he was still not included as mighty.  However, his story is still written in the Bible. His story brought glory to his king, and ultimately, his King. 

Some of our stories may play out much the same. There will be conversations we won’t get to be a part of, but we will get to support the people who know the details. There will be friendships we won’t get to be the center of, but we will get to watch them and encourage them, so they can blossom and be happy. There will be meetings we won’t get to sit in, but we will get to do our part when the timing is right. 

Here’s what I’m learning, whether it’s family, friends, or any area of life, sometimes my role isn’t the one they need in the moment, but the one they get to have surrounding them.  It’s the even though—every day supporting moments—that may one day lead to mighty things.

PS: Benaiah’s every day efforts invited him to be in charge of the bodyguard and eventually, Solomon placed him as commander of the king’s army.