Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body), and be thankful. Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness. Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. (Colossians 3: 12-17 The Voice)
Gel went onto my freshly shampooed hair and rollers formed curls. After a brush styled it, hairspray held my hair in place. A glance at the mirror showed it looked good.
Then I stepped outside into Florida’s humidity. Moisture dampened and flattened the time consuming hairdo. Within minutes, the look of my hair changed dramatically because of the environment.
On my recent retreat in North Carolina, I was immersed in godly teaching and meaningful Christian music. Everyone attending the conference and the staff of the center showed Christian love. The entire experience gave me peace and contentment. Love enfolded me.
Being secluded at the retreat, can help prepare and encourage me to go into a broken world. It is easy to be kind and loving when surrounded by loving people. The real test comes when I return to the real world.
Would I be able to be kind to annoying people? Would I continue to have peace when caught in traffic? Would I remain strong when hit with difficult circumstances?
Like my hair drooping in the humidity, it is easy to bend and fall with the trials of the world. But with the help of Jesus, I can remain strong.
Father, give me the strength and peace to endure whatever life brings. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment