Observation of kindness
I just finished working with my church’s vacation Bible school this week. Now, I’m not in the state of Texas, but my church may as well be! Almost everything it does is BIG, especially this summer outreach to kids. My job was to help direct traffic as parents dropped off their children, aiding as kids hopped out of vehicles, and directing them to “walkers”–individuals from age fifteen to eighty–who walked them to the crosswalk and then to their stations.
As I participated in this massive movement of munchkins, I was very aware of the friendliness of the volunteers serving all around me. Kind words, gentle humor, and great encouragement filled the atmosphere as hundreds–no, literally thousands–of kids said goodbye to their parents and hello to the fun-filled environment awaiting them.
And I observed parents in their cars, vans, SUVs, pick up trucks, and jeeps respond to the thoughtful smiles, waves, and well-wishes just as much as their children. I watched, in more than one case, as tension seemed to drain away from a frazzled mom when a volunteer acknowledged her with a smile and a parting word of encouragement.
And I thought, “This is how we are to operate everyday.”
- Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:5-6
- Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
Despite the chaos swirling in the world, we can walk in confidence that our God is on the throne. And we can also know for a fact that He longs to show forth His love and stability through us as we engage more and more consistently in everyday random acts of kindness.
Dorothy
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Scrambling
As scandals in this administration are being exposed and more details are coming to light, it is not surprising to observe all the subsequent scrambling by the various players. A virtual game of “musical chairs” is happening before our very eyes, and instead of housecleaning, the administration appears to be rearranging the deck–same old “chairs” in new, upgraded positions.
One radio commentator suggested yesterday that this was done on purpose as an “in-your-face” thumbing of the nose at anyone who had the nerve to stand up against the corruption. Be that as it may, Truth trumps nose-thumbing. The apostle Paul said, “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God” (Phil. 1:28, AMP).
As you pray about the events in our government, do not be moved by power’s maneuverings for advantage and intimidating effect. Stand your ground, joining your faith for truth to prevail with the faith of like-minded men and women from sea to shining sea. Trust God to direct your prayers, knowing that He is actively searching for someone to pray big, bold, audacious prayers. I challenge you again: stand your ground in prayer and disrupt the destruction.
Dorothy
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