I’m feeling a little overwhelmed just now. The news from the
Philippines is just crushing. I talked to
my daughter Sarah, who spent some time working in a hospital there in 2001, and
she has heard from a friend who is safe. That’s an encouraging bit of news, but
the images are awful, and we are too far away to take a cup of water or a
blanket. However, I did see a picture of
United States Marines who were loading up supplies to go to those in need. In
moments like these I am so proud of my country. I know we have a lot of
problems, but the world does look to us for help. May we never stop giving.
I was struck by a couple of lines in one of our songs from
Sunday morning: “Christ is the water; We’re the cup God holds.” But how can we
help those who are on the other side of the earth? I remember years ago Bea Ward talking about
the angst that develops when we have access to information but are too far away
to do anything. The inability to provide tangible help creates stress. This is
when we pray. It’s also when we look around Chattanooga and see how God might
use us here.
My sermon notes from Sunday morning include these three
points: 1—Be generous. 2—Pay attention
to details. 3—Serve God. These are
things I can do right here. How? I can buy yet another box of fruit or package
of wrapping paper from a student who’s raising funds. I can set aside some money support some of
these young people who will be going on mission trips next summer. I can say a kind word to someone who’s
hurting or help a scared toddler find Mommy. In all of these things, Jesus
said, “You did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
If Christ is the water, and we’re the cup, may we be so full
that when we are jostled, it’s the love of Christ that spills out onto others.
Life is rough, that’s for sure. So let the jostling begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment