Thank you to mja, Shepherds staff, for writing today's blog.
I John 3:16-21
I have had a very busy day
today. I have many tasks yet to complete before the end of the workday. The
phone has been ringing (it seems all day long), crisis after crisis seems to
come my way. So much to do, so little time. How do I keep a smile on my face
and a pleasant attitude in my voice when it seems that I just can't get
everything done? I am racing against the clock, trying to accomplish as much as
I can. But . . . you are standing at my office door, waiting for me to see you,
with an eager look on your face and a piece of paper in your hand.
If I just keep on working
and pretend not to notice you, perhaps you will just go on your way. After all,
this is important work that I need to finish. Maybe I could just say, "I'm
sorry, I can't talk now. I'm very busy." Or, "Come back tomorrow, and I'll see
you then." Or, maybe just wave and say hi and go back to my work.
But no, I cannot do any of
these. This is your home. This is where you've spent most of your adult life. I
work here, but I work in your home. You are my friend. How can I turn you away?
You are the reason I am here.
I put aside all of my
work and come to see the piece of paper in your hand. A letter from your
sister. Mama is very sick - will you pray for my mother? Will you read this
letter for me? What does she say? Will Mama be OK? I'm worried about Mama. Will
mama die?
As I take the time to
listen to you and pray with you about your dear mother, I think what it will be
like for us some day in eternity. You will have a mind and body that is perfect
in every way. I will look for you when I get to Heaven - will you look for me?
Will you remember the times I was too busy to stop and talk to you? Will
you ask me, "Why did you treat me like that? Why didn't you treat me like one
of your friends? Why didn't you have time for me?" Or will I hear you say,
"Thank you for treating me with respect and love. Thank you for looking past my
disability and into my heart. Thank you for loving me as your friend, just as I
am."
Dear Lord, help me to love
others as you love them. Help me to see past the outside and into the heart.
Help me to love as I want to be loved - with respect, with genuine caring and
with a listening heart.
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