When This Happens, I Stop Everything

I was thinking yesterday that I have nothing to write this week.  I confess to being a bit depleted.  The pandemic has isolated me as well as most of you.  The goal of these offerings is shortchanged for lack of environment. How can one ‘EXPLORE what it means to live in Christ’ when the only thing noticeable is the matted pathways of the worn-down living room carpet?  (Ok - I could probably make something out of that.  Another day, perhaps.)

Even though we are beginning to circulate more, it’s clearly not the same.  Public expeditions are stiff and uncomfortable.  We back-off rather than embrace. Hesitation conquers advancement.  Yesterday’s full-steam-ahead is vanquished as we now tread lightly. 

But, as often happens, something happens!  

Fix Your Eyes

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3


Paralyzed
Helen sighed. “Remember what I told you about the American creed. We can’t focus on everything that’s wrong with the world that we can’t fix, everything we failed to do right. You’d be paralyzed with indecision and do nothing worthwhile with your life. That would be a shame, Jess. A waste. The good will outweigh the bad. You have so much yet to accomplish.” Fatal Distraction, Diane Capri

Not Easy
If he said no, then nothing he'd ever done for her would matter. Those were just little things. Easy things. If it was easy for him, if it didn't take something from him, then it didn't matter. Not really. This mattered.
(After years of being generous to this woman, he is now being asked to sign power of attorney thereby taking custody for a troubled teen girl as her caretaker, her grandmother lies dying of cancer) The Gray And Guilty Sea by Scott William Carter.

Affecting the Life of Another

Opportunities (large and small) to serve others are all around us.

Yes, this was recorded and serves as an example.  Our service opportunities will not be visible to the world.  That does not change the result of action, however.  Let our hearts be touched by the facial expressions and the emotions of those receiving this 'God is Good' message.  We are our brother's keepers.

Today, I want to;
Be inspired.
Be attentive.
Be this change.

Man Pays for Stranger's Groceries
(7 minute video)

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6: 3-4

Now THAT'S what I'M talking about ...

A Wal-Mart store in South Chicago on a Sunday morning.

A quick run to get a couple of things for breakfast as the day begins.

Yes, in a hurry.  But there's this woman.

An early morning employee, she's trying to get the carts to stack properly.  But when she pushes the last one to the front, the rest move uncontrollably.

A look of frustration.  It's not the first attempt.

A voice.  Do something.

Two seconds holding the first keeps them from moving away.

Two seconds and the work is done - the carts are lined up.

A woman smiles and says "Now THAT'S what I'M talking about!"

This story is six years old and seems to be unforgettable.  It was just a few seconds of life and yet still carries a lesson.  It says, "listen."  It says, "small things."  It says, "by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35.

The ACT

It's that time of year. Our weekends are spent in celebration as we congratulate each and every High School Graduate!

I did just a little research on the tests that are required for college entrance.  Whoa.  I am seriously grateful that I am well beyond the High School Junior status!

There are generally two main tests that colleges consider when reviewing applicants;  The SAT and the ACT.  Click here for sample ACT questions (if you dare).