As I drove my son to summer school this morning, I had a strange feeling. It seemed like only minutes ago that I was driving my son to summer school—yesterday.
Wow—My days are quickly flying by.
As I felt the cool morning air flow through the car windows, I thought, I’m so thankful for this new day. And because I am reading, “Don’t Waste Your Life”, by Jon Piper, I felt like I didn’t want to waste this day. note: my summer school job has ended and I am now in my first week of "summer vacation."
But how does one know if they’re “wasting” their life or not? I can’t answer that. But there are some glimpses of direction in the book I’m reading. Here is what John Piper says:
God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is…..We are meant to image forth in the world what he is really like.
Mr. Piper goes into depth about what it means to glorify God. Part of glorifying God is enjoying him. “God created me—and you— to live with …a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying his supreme excellence in all spheres of life.”
I’m only about three chapters into the book.
I am now approaching a chapter entitled, “Magnifying Christ Through Pain and Death.” That was my next question. Is it possible to glorify God when one is going through hard times? I’m sure it is…but I’m looking forward to hearing what Mr. Piper has to say on the topic. I will add that Mr. Piper ‘s conclusions are based on the Bible…he gives scriptures and references throughout the book.
So I dropped my son off at school and ventured into my day. I washed 2 cars, swept the front walk, watered the yards, made phone calls, took both boys back and forth to various places. About 5:00 I went to the grocery store (for the second time today—because early this morning…they didn’t have their meat out yet!) So I returned later, bought what I needed, and upon exiting the store my eye caught a woman (about age 35) holding a sign that said, “Will work for food.”
Hmmm. My mind started going into its decision making process.
I have to get home.
But I should buy her some food.
She doesn’t look like she is hungry. She looks well-nourished.
But I could tell her God loves her…when I give her the food.
OoH. But I have to wait in that line again.
I went in. Bought her some cool drinks, a snack and some candy.
I spoke briefly with her, and asked her what kind of work she wanted to do. She said, “housework.” I said I didn’t have any housework, but I bought her some food, and something cool to drink. She was very appreciative. I told her God loved her. Her name is Ginger.
I’m not sure if what I did will make an impact on her for God…but it made an impact on me. And I know that God will help me grow in the area of "imaging forth in the world" what he is really like.
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6 comments:
It sounds like you had a busy day. And possibly that meat wasn't out in the morning because God had a plan for your to return when Ginger was there. I'm glad you bought her a cool drink and some snacks, but the most important thing you did for her was to tell her God loves her. A job well done and a kindness that will be remembered.
Blessings,
Mary
What a wonderful opportunity God gave you in the midst of your first day of vacation!
I'm glad you felt some cool air.
So with what happened here this week, it is ever more important to live every day to the fullest.
Wow, good for you for just going ahead and blessing that woman with some food and a kind word. Sometimes we think so hard about things we never do them. I think you are right - sometimes an act of kindness like that affects us more than the receiver. Have a good weekend.
Grace
So Dan's life is still having an impact - I am thankful that you had an opportunity to share some of it with your son. I hope tomorrow is just a blessing to all of you!
Short of heaven, we will never know the impact we have on the lives of others. But sometimes we get a little glimpse like an e-mail I received last week (from someone in our youth group 30 years ago!). It blew my socks off. Keep on reaching out!
HUGS
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