Thursday, May 31, 2018

Being an Unclogged Pipe



 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 11 AMP)

            My granddaughter, Emily, looked at me when I put the phone down.

            “That was a friend who lost her husband recently. She’s having a hard time.” 

            With no hesitation, Emily said, “We should make her some cookies.”

            “That’s a great idea. We can do it tomorrow when your sisters come.”

            The following day Ashlyn and Molly joined us and were anxious to help. Emily announced to her sisters, “You’re better at making cookies. I’ll make a card.”

            While I got out the ingredients, Molly carried the stool to the counter so she could reach the bowl. She and Ashlyn broke eggs, added each item, stirred the dough and placed mounds of it on the baking sheets. When the oatmeal chocolate chip ones went into the oven, Ashlyn finished preparing the oatmeal walnut ones. 

            Molly and Emily set to work in my office. With an array of paper, foam shapes, and decorative punches, they each designed a card. Emily searched for just the right Scriptures to add to hers. Molly included stickers and scalloped edges on her yellow paper.

            When they finished, Emily handed me her creation. The card would certainly lift the spirits of someone who was grieving.  

            “This is for you,” Molly said as she handed me her card.  

            Her unexpected kindness touched me. Hearts, stars, and loving words decorated it. That card also comforted a grieving widow.

            Between rain showers, we hurried to my neighbor’s home. The doorbell rang. We waited and waited. After another ring, we waited more and were about to leave. 

            The door opened. My surprised friend looked at us.

            “My granddaughters made something for you,” I said. 

            She beamed. “Thank you so much. What are your names?”

            The girls answered. She thanked us again and we left. 

            We agreed that we brightened her day and felt good about serving. 

            At church that morning, Pastor Matt explained that we should be like a pipe so that the Holy Spirit could flow through us. Many things can clog us up like anger, unforgiveness, self centeredness …With a clog, we can’t let the Spirit through. That day we were not clogged and worked together to comfort a grieving widow.

            Later that evening, my friend sent me a message. She said she was having a hard day and then we came. When she told her sister-in-law about our visit, she asked how I knew she was having a bad day. She said God must have let me know. 

            Later, I learned the delicious cookies had been eaten and the card rested on her coffee table. She read it over and over to herself and to several people who called her. We had no idea the act of kindness would spread so far. 

            How thankful I am that Emily started our little service project when I told her about my friend’s hurt. What a blessing to learn and serve with my loving, compassionate granddaughters!

            Because we noticed a need and were obedient in fulfilling it, our pipes allowed the Spirit to flow. Not only was my friend blessed but also those of us who helped and those who heard the story. 

Father, help us be an open pipe so that you can flow through us. Amen
             

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Changes from His Light



If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

            With waving grass, my lawn resembled a prairie because of continuous rain. Patches of flowers thrived while others drooped from too much moisture. 

            Day after day, heavy clouds greeted me when I stepped onto the porch for my morning devotions. Rain peppered the lake. Birds hid with only occasional singing. The forecast predicted another week of rain.

            At dawn, I took my cup of tea to the patio and stared with surprise at the sky. Perhaps, I would finally see a slice of sunrise. But that didn’t happen. The sky lightened to a crystal blue with not even a tiny cloud. I kept staring at the wondrous heavens.

            Water burdened grass sparkled in the sunshine. Birds sang jubilant tunes. Fish rippled the lake. A lizard scampered up the screen. Even the weeds glistened. A joyous mood encompassed the lake and me. 

            After over a week of rain and clouds with more anticipated, the surprise visit by the sun caused celebration and a sense of appreciation. The entire view changed with the light. 

            If only, our divided, wayward country could experience the light of Jesus. But for too long, even a mention of his name has been banned from schools, meetings, businesses, and government offices. With the unthinkable events that have become commonplace, we need a transformation. Jesus can change lives. 

Heavenly Father, guide us as we follow you and lead others so that our country can return to the values and principles on which it was founded. Help us to love and build up each other. Amen