I have only recently been given eyes to see the beauty of Christ's body at work. I've always been surrounded by the church, but I think I've often taken the tender kindnesses and acts of services for granted. I think I've assumed that people should just serve one another and encourage those around them because that's the way it's supposed to work. Obviously, I've also seen many mistakes and sins within the body, but today I choose to focus on just how often and how deeply God uses His design for His children to equip and encourage one another. Today I have a mountain of items that need checking off on my list, from baby showers to cleaning my house (seriously, it's probably time to unpack from that ski trip,) the list just keeps on growing. And on top of all that I have a funny feeling that a fever/cold is right around the corner readying for the attack. But today, I've noticed little ways the redeemed around me are glorifying God by meeting the needs of those He has perfectly placed in their lives. I received this text of encouragement this morning on my way to celebrate the life of a new baby given by sweet women willing to sacrifice their Saturday morning to bless a new mommy. (And yes, for those of you who are perceptively bright-I had my friend re-send this tonight because we continued to chat and I didn't know how to capture just the prayer text. And yes, I'm trying with all my might to get caught up on my days. And yes, it makes me CRAZY that some of my February days are under March but alas, I can't seem fix it) Pardon the OCD rant- ah yes, little kindnesses...my family all pitched in with pleasant attitudes to help me clean the church. Several others sent little "thinking of you" texts and encouraging messages. I think we hear the words "I'm praying for you" so often that we might grow dull to the blessing of being lifted up to the Father by another believer. It is truly humbling to think that someone is interceding and offering up my name before His throne of grace. My friend Kim's picture of the day was a picnic basket delivered to her doorstep with chips, brownies, apples and a giftcard to Subway because they are in the middle of a stressful time trying to fix up a house for a very quick move. The neighbor just included a simple note that said "Hope this lightens the load." These are all acts of the Spirit to minister to His children. We don't just wake up and want to serve and encourage those in our lives on our own. I'm pretty sure my sin nature wants to make every day about pleasing myself, but how much more joy is received in the act of serving one another? How does your heart soar when someone lets you know they are praying for you or extends kind words of encouragement? Of course, the body often rallies to stand by one another in times of crisis, but I am so thankful for how the Lord is showing me His children serving one another in small, humble ways every day. It's so encouraging to see how His Spirit produces the fruits of kindness, gentleness, love, goodness, and joy among His children for their good and His glory!
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