Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.

Exodus 18:27

For Meditation

Knowing to step away when your work is done, is critically important. A minute or day beyond that may be burdensome.

Jethro visited Moses in the desert with Moses’s wife and two sons (Exod. 18:5-6). He was delighted to hear about the miraculous ways by which God had delivered Israel from Egypt. He was so impressed that he confessed Israel’s God as greater than all other gods (11), and he brought burnt offerings to the Lord. They feasted with the elders in the presence of the Lord.

The next day, he observed something that disturbed him. Moses alone sat from morning till evening, judging the people. He knew his son-in-law was in danger of being burned out. So, he counseled him to appoint capable men to assist him with the work. Moses listened and adjusted his management system (17-23). With his work done, Jethro stepped aside.

“Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country” (27).

Isn’t that wonderful?

Sometimes, we linger too long after visiting or being called to help with a situation. Eventually, conflict ensues and destroys everything. The Akans of Ghana have a proverb that says, “When you leave water in the pot for too long, it begins to smell.”

So, know when your work is done and bow out gracefully. You will be fondly remembered. Learn to limit your time of visitation. You do not want to become an object of hate for staying too long.