don't just write todo lists, don't just run around stressed out - sit, relax, give thanks.
be busy and live full - give thanks.
it is not about what gets accomplished, or how successful or efficient we are in the end - it is about carrying Jesus' light into darkness - about stepping out one step of faith after another and trusting in His unfailing love. It is about loving our neighbor. about sharing joy and being someone's hope.
were you someone's hope today?
love much, laugh often, give thanks. Even when facing the blackest darkness. These things the darkness is incapable of and powerless against. (remember from "a wrinkle in time"? :) So press on.
It is about people- the chance encounters, a smile, seeing an old friend, a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and encouraging word. We don't know and may never know what an impact those small moments can have on a life - but never underestimate them.
today i went searching for pants with Cathi and Levi at thrift stores, and then we stopped by Target. As i was walking down an isle a man passing me looked, smiled and said "Hello!" I smiled back and he said "Hello!!" again, as if he knew me - then said "Pastor Larry!" and smiled. Ohh... yeah! I read his name tag - Joseph. Could it be, Joe?! the one who slept out under abandoned tractor trailers, lamenting the loss of his family, due to his addiction to drugs and alcohol? We would pray for him, and were always so excited when he came to McDonnalds and had a coffee with us. He rarely would come to church, as he felt ashamed of his fallenness. Jane and Larry loved him greatly, and we prayed God would give him the strength to stand. We didn't see him for a long time, then I saw him months later and he still was struggling. I let him know we were still praying for him. And then today - here he was again. He looked so good, and clean, and he had his son with him! wow. we shook hands, and he was so excited to tell me how God has helped him stay clean for over 7 months - and he is back with his family and going to church, and studying in seminary! I was able to pass along pastor Larry's number, as Brother Joe didn't have it any more. what an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness!
Thank you Lord!!
