Safety

Safety
Winter is the dark season of life. This year this season began with an artic freeze. A reminder that coldness has a tendency to separate people one another. We remain where there is warmth that is comfortable. The chill of the air becomes a barrier to relating face to face, and in the warmth of personal touch!
In Galatians 6:9,10 we are reminded of God’s plan for all people:
“Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up. So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let’s try even harder to do good to the family of believers.” (NIRV)

Do not grow tired, do not become discouraged when you reach out to others and there are barriers, perhaps time constraints, or financial constraints, or emotional toll. All of these become like a cold wind slapping you in the face! Yet we hear: “do not become tired of doing good.” The right thing is sometimes the most difficult. It is important to do good to all, and to make sure that all includes yourself. Give yourself grace for the moment and the long haul. Pray often, in fact "without ceasing! " (I Thess 5:17). Keep the focus of the “good” all about Jesus! (2 Corinthians 10:5b). These good thoughts and works have been set in place for a higher good. We may not know the outcome but in our service we are both humbled and blessed. This encourages us and others (Ephesians 2:10).

We will at the right time, if we do not lose hope receive the ultimate gift, that gift is eternal life! So we continue to reach out, to help as we can, when we can. The light that shines from within us, is the hope! That hope encourages us as we encourage others to continue one step at a time.
4832 Ponderings:
What opportunity do you have, right now, to shine the light of caring into another person’s life?
How can you leverage the joy and appreciation you feel about your relationship with Christ into the life of another?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to shine the light of your love in simple ways, to give a smile, an encouraging note, a word seasoned with grace. During this season that drives people inside, help me to reach out to touch lives in new ways! Thank you, Jesus! Amen