Unhearlded Servants

For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room. I was shivering and you gave me clothes. I was sick and you stopped to visit. I was in prison and you came to me. 

Then the King will say, “I’m telling you the solemn truth. Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me-you did it for me.” 

(Matthew 25: 35-36, 40 The Message)

Wheelchairs. Walkers. A few residents strolled in on their own. The recreation room began filling up for the weekly service. 

            With two of his children, a young pastor moved around the room as soon as they arrived. The elementary aged boy and girl shook hands with every person. Their dad shook hands and greeted each one by name. He introduced himself to my cousin and me as we joined my aunt for the Sunday service. 

            At the small organ, he played familiar hymns and then asked for requests. Elderly voices blended with younger ones. 

            With confidence, the young girl and boy sang several verses of “Jesus Loves Me” and signed the chorus. What a delightful part of the afternoon church service. 

            The simple, but powerful sermon about faith, touched my heart. Earlier in the day, I had attended my own church with thousands of worshipers. Both pastors used Scripture and preached a significant message for their congregation—large or small. 

            Days later, my cousin and I returned to the assisted living facility to attend another service with my aunt. A different man led the gathering and moved around the room to greet each person by name too. 

            While we sang selected songs, the leader constantly scanned the room and moved to those who needed a little encouragement. Throughout the service, he motivated and uplifted the audience with his kindness and compassion.

            One young and the other old, both men faithfully serve the tiny congregation every week. They treat each person with love and dignity. The love of Jesus shows through as they serve the aged. Some with dimming eyes, impaired hearing, and fuzzy minds. Men and women who lived full lives working and serving others, now have two devoted men doing the same for them. The dedicated men see every person living in the facility as precious in God’s sight.

            Their preaching and faithfulness to the elderly will never be announced on the news. There will be no monetary compensation for their time. The reward will be to hear, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” 

            How many others quietly serve with no expectation of fame or riches? Instead of elevating those who love the limelight, look for the humble servants who make life richer and more meaningful for the lonely, widowed, and orphaned. 

            I went to the services to support my aunt but received a powerful lesson in serving from two godly men. 

Loving Father, thank you for those who faithfully serve even when many fail to notice. Help me to love and serve like Jesus. Amen          

            

            

            

Twinkles of Light in the Darkness

A cocoon of fog encased the highway. Mile after mile I could see only a short distance in front of me. The gray tunnel hid trees and buildings along my early morning trip to church. 

            Blurry red spots revealed vehicles ahead of me. Occasional speeding cars illuminated my way for a few seconds before passing and disappearing into the abyss. 

            At a safer speed, I joined an unplanned caravan of autos as we continued a steady pace for miles down the interstate. 

            In my mirror, I could barely recognize a car following me. With his lights off, the driver increased the danger to himself and those behind him. From one exit to another, he remained oblivious to the problem. Finally, he turned on his lights so other drivers could see him. What a relief. 

            In the heavy fog, not one light could illuminate the entire roadway. But each little light made a difference. They helped guide me and prevented a disaster. 

            Those lights reminded me of a scripture I read that morning before getting into my car.  Matthew 5: 16 told of being a light in the world. 

            Sometimes I feel that my little light won’t make much of a difference. Then I remembered things done for me which might have appeared small but touched my heart. A hug during a stressful time. A bowl of homemade soup when I was alone and didn’t feel like cooking. A ride to the doctor when I couldn’t drive. A delicious meal after my surgery. Birthday cards that lined my counter. Words of appreciation. The list could go on and on. 

            Like car lights on a foggy road, our lights can be a guide for someone’s darkness to give hope and encouragement for their journeys as God is glorified. 

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.¹⁵ Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.  Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16 WEB)

Dear Lord, guide to be a light in a dark world. Amen