We live in a busy world where people are often so focused on what they have to do and their own circumstances that they forget to reach out to others in need. Here’s a story to warm your heart and remind us all of the importance of simple kindness.
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.
When we arrived, a thin, old man with a scruffy beard, and a gentle-looking lady sat comfortably talking on the bench just outside the inn where we were staying for the weekend. Their conversation was relaxed and easy; it was obvious they were old friends. At the other end of the parking lot, another group of people chatted quietly. And when we made our way toward our room, the hall was literally lined with people obviously waiting for others to join them. The ambiance was amazing. Later we discovered that we were the only strangers in the mix—all the rest of these folks were in town for a family reunion.
I’ve just returned from a wonderful vacation in the Midwest, and as I reflect on all that transpired from the time we pulled out of the driveway in Pennsylvania until we returned nine days later, I’m amazed at the multitude of blessings our loving Heavenly Father showered upon us. Safe travel, perfect weather, wonderful time with family and friends, worshiping with other believers and hearing from God’s Word, time to relax and be refreshed—the list is long and I truly praise God for each of these gifts.
You’d think they would have been complaining or clamoring to get free. It wasn’t fair! After all, they were two men of God, doing His work, preaching good news, and promoting peace, and then they were thrown in jail! But instead of complaining and clamoring Paul and Silas were singing hymns to God and praying. There in the midnight hour of the darkest days of their lives, through their songs they spoke of God, and with their prayers they spoke to God.
In America, every year July 4th brings with it festivities, fun, food, family and friends, and fireworks—all as a celebration of national freedom. But even with all the celebrating and fun, many Americans are still caught in the web of bondage on a mental, emotional, relational, financial, vocational or spiritual level. Most often, we ourselves create the chains that bind us by making poor or sinful choices.
It was just one of those days when I was dragging. Heat and humidity? Physical exhaustion? Stress? I’m not sure what brought it on, but my energy level was low. Two of my co-workers greeted me when I arrived at the office and we chatted a moment, then I plopped into a chair and said, “I think you’re going to have to wind me up to get me going this morning.”
Jane, our administrative assistant, smiled and said, “Rather than wind you up, I’d like to lift you up.” And she did. She prayed lifting my need before our Heavenly Father, asking Him to be my strength and hope that day. Our staff prays together every day before we begin our work, so this was nothing unusual, but I can’t tell you how refreshing and encouraging it was on that particular day.
I was a few minutes early for the workshop and by sitting near the front of the room, I could easily see the presenter organizing her papers, setting up the Power Point materials, and readying herself for her talk. Then just a few moments before the class began, an attractive young woman entered the room, walked straight to the teacher, and looked her in the eye. The visitor affirmed the presenter with some kind words, and brushed a wisp of stray hair away from her face. The smile on the leaders face showed relief and renewed confidence. As quickly as she came, the visitor was gone.
The winds of adversity blow viscously in our lives at times turning everything upside down. At other times the storm may not rage so violently, but there is still a steady weathering that occurs with day-to-day frustrations, heartaches, and difficulties. Both take their toll on us, and we need a measure of extra strength. The little story below reminds us where we can find that.
It was a stressful day, and as it ended the weather forecaster was announcing a severe storm warning for our area. I stepped out the back door of our house to look at the roses before the storm broke; I gasped when I saw the sky. It was still perfectly clear directly above me, but in the distance dark clouds rolled across the sky with a rainbow perfectly woven through them. It was almost overwhelming.
The bulletin cover at church on Sunday pictured and old mill at rest with a lone white swan floating on the perfectly still pond. The sky was blue and the grass, trees and shrubs framing the scene were brilliantly green. The caption read “PERFECT PEACE.” Underneath were the words of Isaiah 26:3. Indeed it was the picture of complete peace.
Price: $14.95Includes 15 scripts by Ann Shorb that can be used with puppets or acted out by children, plus five articles about running a puppet ministry. Available as an electronic PDF download or as a paperback.
Price: $24.95Ann Shorb will teach you relaxation exercises, strategies for de-stressing your life, and show you how to deepen your walk with Christ.
Price: $14.99How does a Christian man give adequate time and attention to his work, his wife, his children, his church, and his own spiritual development considering all the demands that he has upon his life in modern society?
