Wrong Again

One of the dangers when living in a new country is being too quick to jump to a conclusion. A specific, accurate, but limited observation can be the grounds for a wrong generalization or conclusion. For example: we have been told that everything either slows down or stops at Tet (Asian New Year). We were told this slow down starts long before Tet (February 3rd this year) and stays that way for days afterward.
As referenced in an earlier blog, I love to watch the ships on the busy Saigon River. Observation from our 19th window: the port dock suddenly had many empty "parking spots" for ocean going ships. Conclusion: it must be the beginning of the Tet slow down.
Wrong. We returned from five days in Malaysia to find all of the berths full; the dock and river are very busy. No Tet slow down (at least not yet). I am very glad my hasty conclusion was wrong.
One of the dangers in life is being too quick to jump to conclusions. How many times have I misjudged situations because I generalized, formed an opinion, came to a too quick conclusion from one accurate but limited observation?
The people of Israel were waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai. They had sworn allegiance to him and to his God. But Moses took too long up on the mountain. At least that is what they observed. They waited for a day, a week, a month and Moses did not return from his dramatic meeting with God. With accuracy they observed: we are without a leader and without any sign of his God. Nothing is happening.
So they jumped to a disastrous conclusion and asked Aaron to make them a substitute, visible god. They asked for an idol - like all their neighbour nations had. The Ten Commandments (along with other instructions) coming down from Mt. Sinai. Yet before Moses had time to deliver the commandments, the first and second commands are broken by Israel.
In a new country and culture; in life; in our relationship with God; let's not jump to conclusions too quickly. Too often we will be wrong. Sometimes as at Mt. Sinai, the results can be tragic.