Three little pigs went out to build their life.
The first little pig would do what made him happy. He had heard since his days as a piglet that life was about him. There wasn’t much planning, not a lot of foresight either. Just get up in the morning and follow his dream. And he did. He was successful. It appeared so, anyway. His posts on social media were always sunny, funny, and exciting.
The second little pig would do what made sense. He had heard since his days as a piglet that the good things of life went to those who earned it. Therefore, he was diligent and hardworking. This little pig got after it. Soon he had all kinds of stuff. Piles of it, even.
The third little pig would do what he knew to be true. He had heard since his days as a piglet that life wasn’t about him or even for him. He would direct his attention and efforts upward and outward. He gave his life away.
Then the “wolf” came.
The first little pig experienced heartache, pain, and loss. Not having faced anything like this before (for there always was another party somewhere), he didn’t know what to do. This little porker had gone through life laughing. There had been no time for tears. And because life had been about him, he found himself alone.
The second little pig experienced heartache, pain, and loss. That wasn’t part of his plan. Bad things were supposed to happen to bad pigs. Good things were supposed to happen to good pigs. How come this was happening to him? This wasn’t right. This was not fair. He still had his stuff. But it all seemed cold and sterile now. It did not make him happy as before.
The third little pig experienced heartache, pain, and loss. It was not fun. There was disappointment. But because he looked up, he had perspective. He had direction. There was peace despite circumstance. And because he looked out, he had help. Other pigs were there for him in his time of need because he had been there for them.
Three little pigs went out to build their life. The “wolf” blew and the first one got knocked over. He didn’t know how to get up. The “wolf” blew and the second one got knocked over. He didn’t know how to get up either. The “wolf” blew and the third one got knocked over. But he got up. And with an odd combination of sarcasm and a twinkle, said to what knocked him over, “Is that all you got?” And off he went, still joyful, looking upward and outward as before.
Pastor Rich Hamlin
August 4, 2022