(Reminders!)

"Do your best to come to me soon... When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments."

(2 Timothy 4:9, 13)

Before smart phones, I used to write on my hands... a lot! Whenever I needed to remember something, I'd write a keyword on the palm of my hand. then I'd see it throughout the day and remember. And if it was REALLY important, I'd write it on the back of my hand - that was harder to rub off! Then with the smart phone, I started making reminders that would pop up at just the right times to remind me whatever I needed to recall.

Paul needed a smart phone. At the end of his 2nd letter to Timothy, he puts a curious note in. "Bring the jacket I left in Troas... and the books... and the parchments!" It got me thinking... did he FORGET those items? Did he intentionally leave them behind? Why would he need to have a jacket? Was Carpus cold? Was it a fashionable jacket that he wanted to borrow for a bit? And the books and parchments (for future letters)... did he have to leave Troas suddenly? Was he already past his "2 carryon limit?" Inquiring minds want to know!

In some ways, it's really not important. But it does remind me that Paul was a regular guy... who either loaned out his stuff (generous!) or forgot stuff (human!). He trusted Timothy to help him with things. And he was somewhat frugal - as he didn't just go out and buy a new jacket, books, and parchments.

Now sure I have any deep spiritual insights about this today... except maybe who might my Timothy be? Who do/have I shared not only ministry, but my life with? I'm really enjoying my current staff at Palmdale UMC, and love the way we work together. Peter Lee, however, would probably be my 'go-to Timothy.' Not because of age (we're only a few years apart), but because we worked so well for 6 years together. We're wired similarly, and enjoy many of the same activities. Plus we just like spending time together.

What about you? Who's your Timothy? Who's your close confidant? And be sure to thank God for him/her today. AMEN!