Unto the Least of These

While perched on a rafter of the arena, I observed tiny creatures running around on the floor far below. On the front row of the of the balcony, I felt like a cliff hanger. The railing in front of the seats wasn’t even waist high and certainly not a deterrent to a falling body. 

My friends and I decided that the second row would seem a little safer. That position was tolerable if I looked toward the huge screens to see the speakers and not straight down. The designers of the upper level seating must have been mountain climbers who enjoyed hanging on dangerous precipices.

Fortunately, the fantastic speakers and musicians at the Women of Faith conference kept my mind off the altitude and my aversion to heights.

Because we sat on the aisle seats, each time someone came in or left during the sessions, we had to stand to let them pass which happened frequently. 

One young woman cautiously came to our row hanging onto the railing like a life line. We could see her anguish and reached out to her as she passed by. Her hand gripped ours tightly. Each time she made the journey, she plopped down into her seat with obvious relief. 

For two days, we helped her down the row by extending our hands and steadying her. During the breaks, we talked with her briefly. 

At the end of the conference, she leaned over and spoke to me. “I have severe fibromyalgia and have been in intense pain the whole weekend. I normally use a walker but couldn’t bring it because of the steps. I am also terrified of heights. Let your friends know how much your help meant to me.”

As she looked into my eyes, she continued. “ As you did this to the least of these...”

Tears came to my eyes as her words touched my heart. We had never met this young woman but our simple gestures had helped her through the weekend. Of course, she taught me many lessons with her quiet testimony.

Through her pain, she sang, laughed, and praised God. She didn’t complain but was grateful to experience the blessings of the weekend. She also overcame her fears to be there. What a testimony.

Her thankfulness for our small deeds reminded me of how much we can help others even when we aren’t fully aware of it. There are always people who need a touch of the love of Jesus. Who will it be today? 

I tell you this; whenever you saw a brother or sister hungry or cold, whatever you did to the least of these, you did to Me. Matthew 25: 40  (The Voice)

Jesus, thank you for reminding me to be aware of those around me. Lead me each day to help the least of these. Amen

No Masterpiece

From the patio, I stared into the predawn darkness. Little by little a shade lifted. Dim light appeared. 

Blaring birds cawed. Crickets hummed. Soothing melodies announced the dawn. The lake had awakened.

Increasing light revealed a cloudless, pale sky. Not even a wisp of cloud marred the gigantic canvas. Behind the forest, white light beamed brightly. 

No magnificent swirl of color painted the clear sky. No light bounced off clouds to form a magnificent sunrise. Without obstacles, light opened the day but created no masterpiece. 

Humility, compassion, and perseverance develop when obstacles come. Overcoming trials and problems can increase growth and maturity. Distressing situations break confidence but force reliance on God.

When life beats me down, I look up to see God and those he uses. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1: 2-5, 12 (NIV)

Father, thank you for being with us in the trials and giving us the strength to endure. Amen

Transformations

Swatches of charcoal spread across the light gray sky. Black trees and lake completed the dismal picture. Lack of sleep, busyness, and stress put me in the mood of the scene before me.

Behind a tree, a wisp of pink glowed. Within seconds, each gray cloud blushed a brilliant coral. With the contrast in colors, dreariness left, and the sky lightened. Shades of pink highlighted each unique shape and pattern across the entire sky. 

With emerging light, the lake awakened. Trees turned from shadowy blobs into detailed specimens. Surrounding the water, feathered musicians celebrated the artistic display. Brilliant colors turned into pastels.

The brief performance reminded me of the importance of spending time with God each day. While immersed in the gorgeous sunrise, I released anxiety, worry, and control. Allowing Him to take control, freed me to listen and obey. When life becomes hectic, time with God soothes, settles, and stabilizes.

The sun orchestrated the inspiring changes in the sky. The Son does the same for his children.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, take me from anxiety and worry to peace with you. Lead me on the path you have selected for me. Amen

God's Handiwork

Blackness of night faded. Waves of gray blue clouds sprawled across the lightening sky. 

Flapping wings interrupted my devotions. Like an angel on a Christmas tree, a blue heron adorned the towering cypress. His slender neck and elongated beak were silhouetted against the dim sky. Like an arrow, he pointed me to the spectacular display.

Florescent pink transformed the dull sky from gray to an exquisite masterpiece. I stared at the unbelievable beauty pointed out to me by the solitary heron from his unusual spot. The brief exhibition disappeared as heavy clouds covered the sun but not my memory.

Life is filled with people and situations that point us to God’s handiwork--even in the midst of dark, foreboding clouds. 

Be watchful. Someone may be directing you to Him. Perhaps, you are the one to do the pointing for someone else. 

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

1 Thessalonians 5: 11

Father, help us to see you and to be your hands and feet. Amen