When I was a...
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When I was a little girl, I was fortunate to live in a rural community that still had a piece of Americana: a country store. The little old gentleman who owned and operated the country store had a quiet kind of faith, but his actions spoke louder than his words. He never opened his store on Sundays, but he did have a few "Sunday rules." If parents needed milk for their children or someone needed a patent medicine, he'd let them have those specific items; but he wouldn't accept any money for them until Monday. He did not make these exceptions a regular Sunday practice, but opened his store only when really needed; and the community never abused his rules. The store owner respected the day of rest, but he also knew that human needs stand above ritual law. Jesus, too, knew that the Sabbath was given for humanity's benefit. I think he liked the way the country store owner of my outh operated his business. I know I did.
-- Russell
