You know the right thing to do, but do you always choose to do it?
Last week, it rained almost every day. The rain postponed most of our little league baseball and tee-ball games and practices. This meant we were able to spend more time as a family, if we liked it or not. This also gave us more opportunities to show our kids more about what ministry is. Our sons see their dad at the pulpit every Sunday, but do they see him living out his life as Christ's hands? Just as important, do they see me (their mom) live her life as Christ's hands?
On Sunday night, after our respective bible studies, I picked up the boys to take them to the Visitation for their friend's daddy. Our kids have experienced several funerals and visitations, including both their own relatives and others. We have not avoided talking to them about death, as it is a part of all of our lives. My husband was already at the funeral home, providing pastoral care to the family and friends. As I stood in the long line with my own children (this man was well loved), the little girl who just lost her dad came up to my boys and asked them to play. Actually, I think she asked me if they could play, and I joyfully sent them on their way. I knew that the best thing for all of them would be to play together, OUTSIDE, where they could be children. They were ministering to all of the family's kids by playing with them, showing that they could rejoice, even in this time of sorrow.
When we left the funeral home, we returned to the church parking lot to retrieve a book one of my kids left outside under the awning. It had started raining again, so the book did not get ruined. Suddenly, a stranger approached our vehicle. I was a bit scared for all of us, but he immediately identified himself and I was a bit relieved because I had talked to him a few times on the church phone. He explained that he was seeking help from the Church. I told him that everyone had left to attend the Visitation. I knew this man needed help, and I was trying to figure out what I could do to help him. We were going to part ways, but the light rain suddenly became a downpour. This was God telling me that I had to help this man right away, and not put it off until tomorrow (to see my husband). I told him to get in the car so I could drive him to his friend's house.
The right thing to do was to get this man out of the rain, and give him a ride. All of my children were in the back seats of my car, and this man was a near stranger to them. But, it would have been wrong for us to leave him there. We safely took him to the place where his stuff was. By then, the rain had nearly stopped and I felt that he was going to be okay for the night. The next day, all of the ball games were postponed or cancelled because of the rain. Brian made it a point that all six of us would take this man back to the city where he had shelter and a job. Again, our children could partake in ministry alongside us (helping load and unload his belongings from the car, driving an hour away, buying him dinner and snacks).
I am not writing this to be told "Good job!" It is not about me. It is about Jesus. We should do everything because of HIM, not ourselves. I still have many selfish tendencies, but God keeps giving me opportunities to shed those! I constantly need to be reminded of my blessings, and learn to bless others.
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:31-40
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