Gleanings…

I don’t know why, but it always comes as a surprise when something happens that appears to be related to one of my sermons. It is almost like someone is questioning whether I really meant what I said. Yes, and sometimes that question comes from me.

Like most people I know, we have way too much stuff. Clothes that no longer fit, kitchenware we no longer use, decorative items we no longer display all stack up in some corner until we make the decision to let it pile up somewhere else. Then, we bag it up and ask some ministry that sells stuff to support their operations to pick it up on their next journey through the neighborhood.

When pickup day comes, we place our bags of stuff out by the mailbox and tag it for the ministry, and this usually works very well. Every now and then our stuff does not get picked up and we carry it back inside until the next pickup day.

I imagine that one could mistake our pile of stuff for items left by the road that are seeking new owners. We all have seen various furniture items, in various states of repair, waiting by the street. I would have expected that the tag would tell people that this pile had a new owner on the way, but maybe the tag did not matter.

So, it was with some surprise that I found some of my donated items missing before the pickup had been completed. A flash of irritation washed over me. Why didn’t the person who picked up my items knock on the door and ask? I was home and would gladly have given them the items. Then I thought of the emotional trauma that might have been inflicted on the one who needed those items. It is always traumatic to have to admit that we need help. And, bit by bit, compassion took over and I gave thanks for the Spirit’s gentle reminder of all that I have received.

What does it take to be a good person? Often, it requires nothing more than our willingness to being used without someone asking first. Stepping back to look at it again, I suppose I would have to say that I knew things, like this event, would happen whenever God wanted to bless someone.

When we sign on as disciples, God takes it seriously and expects that we will do the same. God has little time for half-hearted “okays” and “maybes”, and no use at all for “whatever.” If you buy the ticket, you should know that you are expected to take the ride. God has work to do and needs willing disciples to carry it out.

I believe it all boils down to this: We are the people God needs to be the hands and feet of blessing to others. At the same time, God wants to bless us with understanding of how everything works together. So, the next time something happens that you did not see coming, maybe it is really an invitation to grow as a disciple. What do you think?

Pray for peace,

Pastor Braxton ><>