Bad Week in Lake Wobegon

Yep, it’s been a rough week, here in Lake Wobegon. It seems that all illusions of self-sufficiency are fading away with the realization that I can’t do everything, only a few things, and not many very well.

Lake Wobegon

Some of you never listen to public radio, therefore you are probably googling the afore-mentioned town to determine its location. Don’t bother – it’s fictitious. It only exists in the mind of Garrison Keillor and the imaginations of Prairie Home Companion listeners.

In Lake Wobegon, “all the women are strong; all the men are good-looking; and all the children are above average.” There, somewhere in Minnesota, Norwegian bachelor farmers make flour for biscuits that are “pure, mostly,” and “give shy persons the strength to get up and do what needs to be done.” Everything is great there, even when things are tough. People just know how to handle things in Lake Wobegon…and if they don’t, they just eat more Powder Milk Biscuits.

The Lake Wobegon Effect

Interestingly, there is actually a syndrome which has been called the Lake Wobegon Effect. People that suffer from this think that everyone in their own group are above average, better able to “do what needs to be done.” It is described as “the human tendency to overestimate one’s achievements and capabilities in relation to others.” The effect has been observed among CEO’s, stock market analysts, college students, etc. [1] I bet it is real common with Christians, too; especially pastors.

I Need More than Biscuits

I am not above average. My middle initial is even “C.” Yet, I have been called to do a work that is far above average: imitate Jesus Christ. Now how in the name of all that is Norwegian am I supposed to do that? I’m not even a great actor, much less one who could play the part of the greatest character in the history of history (and before)! I can’t even do all that an average human needs to do, like be a good husband, father, student, or pastor.

This week, if never before, I had to come to terms with the fact that I do not live in Lake Wobegon. In my own strength everything I touch falls to pieces right before my eyes, that is, if it ever gets built in the first place. What am I supposed to do? Eat make-believe biscuits?

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. – John 15:5

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13

Well, that makes sense, doesn’t it? If we are supposed to live like Christ and do what He calls us to do, having His power and presence in our lives would make all the difference. I wonder why I always stress out when I have so much to do, thinking it can’t be done?

Maybe I’ve been getting too many Powder Milk Biscuits, and not enough Jesus. How about you?