“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord
is near.” (Philippians 4:5)
I met her about
five years back. I held small
conversations with her here and there, nothing of real substance or life
changing topics. I helped on very few
occasions to serve alongside her. I did
not have the privilege to learn from her words or hear of her experiences. I missed out on opportunities to serve as she
did due to schedule conflict. My
contribution to her ministry fell short weekly.
Looking back, I wish I would have shared more conversations, served
alongside and contributed more. . .
Although none of
this took place, an indelible mark lay on my heart. I am not one to go and join a conversation or
bring attention to myself in any way, shape or form. I observe and take in my surroundings. The example set by this woman was not spoken
or taught directly. The learning
occurred from afar. I watched her smile with
each encounter. No matter the situation
in her life, a smile lit every room entered.
A glad heart shined at all times. . . “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit
is crushed.” (Proverbs 15:13) Find joy in your heart when focusing on our
God. No matter the storm or calm facing
your day, there is peace in Him. Spread
this to others with one simple smile.
I watched her serve
day in and day out, saying ‘Yes’ each time God asked. . .“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) “In everything that he undertook in the
service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought
his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” (1 Chronicles 31:21) “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,
stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of
the Lord, because you know that
your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58) Serve
without grumbling, complaining or dread.
Say yes when others say no. Keep
your eyes on the work God laid out for your life, fulfilling each task asked of
you wholeheartedly. Give God 100% effort
all while shining His light onto each person encountered.
I watched her joyfully care for a grandson. She also worked in a school. Knowledge cannot be bottled up only for
ourselves. She taught the next
generation. . .“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of
season; correct, rebuke and
encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2) The next generation needs us to show the way
to Christ. Pass down His Truth so they
may come to know Him and follow His teachings.
Then, that generation will pass it down to the next. The cycle will continue and God’s Kingdom
will grow. Be a part of it, start today
sharing His Word and setting the example for the next generation to follow.
She sang beautifully in His name. . .“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous
things; his
right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1)
Worship Him in song. It prepares
us for Heaven. Don’t be scared - crank
up the radio, roll down the windows and sing of His glory (okay, so maybe I am
the only one who does this). Your voice
is nothing short of beautiful when singing praise to our God (at least that is
what I tell myself).
Down to her last breath, she set an example of
strong faith, hope and love. I may not
have heard her speak much, but I heard her message loud and clear. When I get to Heaven, I will find her and
thank her personally for the example set for me. I pray I can share that with others and that
when I reach the pearly gates I will hear the same words she heard – “Well
done, good and faithful servant”.
We do not realize who could be watching us from
afar. Be aware and with each move set an
example worth following. Ask, in every
situation, ‘What would Jesus do’? Then,
do it! Smile through it all, for this is
only temporary and as one her last posts reminded me – “Why, you do not even
know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears
for a little while and then vanishes.”
(James 4:14) There is so much
more than this. Keep your eyes on the
prize! Serve wholeheartedly and give
back to Him Who gave us everything that we did not deserve. Share all you learn with the next generation,
help them along the way and steer them so they may not turn to the left or to the
right. Help them stay the course by
teaching them of all the obstacles you know about. And sing His praise at all times. Give it back to Him.
AND. . .
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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