Swimming upstream

The life of a wild Pacific salmon isn't easy. But, let's just say that the little fry manages to dodge all the hazards of adolescence, and doesn't become a happy-meal for some other hungry fish. Let's say our little salmon grows up, escapes the fisherman's hook or net, gets into a good "school", lands a stable job and finds the salmon-spouse of his or her dreams. What next? Mr. and Mrs. Salmon will make an arduous pilgrimage back to their birthplace, swimming upstream, where they will eventually have kids, and then die.

The whole "swimming upstream" thing really sets these salmon apart. Are they crazy? I wonder if the other creatures in the river just look at these fish wanting to scream, "You're going the wrong way!" Yet, it's precisely because they are swimming in the opposite direction, bringing with them precious nutrients that are otherwise lost as materials float downstream, that they are able to help sustain the river and the entire ecosystem.

Amazing, isn't it? You can read more in this month's National Geographic. The crucial contribution of these wild and crazy, going-the-wrong way salmon is mind-boggling.

We could learn alot from these fish. After all, following Jesus is a little like swimming up steam. The life of a disciple of Christ doesn't always "go with the flow." It's easy for us to be pulled downstream, and soon enough we look just like any other fish in the sea. This happens in our marriages too.

Here are some practical areas where we can consider swimming upstream:

1. Tithe of your time, your talents and your treasure. Name some ways you can do this together.
Matt 6:3-4

2. Start the process of forgiveness. Ask for help in releasing someone from what s/he "owes" you or someone else.
Matt 6:14-15

3. Make a list of things about which you worry. Transform it into a prayer-list and give a copy to your spouse. Together, seek God's will for your worries.
Matt 6:25-34

4. Find areas where you are critical of others. Is it how your boss treats you? Is it how your neighbor gossips? Is it something in a church-leader's marriage? Is it the type of car your friend drives? Is it what your mom said to you at the family BBQ? Now find examples of this in your own life.
Matt 7:1-5

READ: THE BEATITUDES; MATTHEW 5:3-12


QUESTIONS:

1. What's the difference between blessedness and happiness?

2. How can we practically apply some these teachings to our lives? To our marriages? What difference would this make?

3. Describe how you and your spouse are currently living out at least one of these principles. Talk about an area of blessedness into which you would like to grow or develop.

4. How are these declarations of blessedness like swimming upstream? Is Jesus saying something that is counter to today's culture? If so, why is "the world" likely to see the Beatitudes as "going the wrong way"?

5. How would a lifestyle and marriage that displays these truths impact others? Would other "fish in the sea" benefit? Would the entire ecosystem in which we live be affected?