Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any
comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any
tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being
like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one
mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in
humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests
but each of you to the interests of the others.
More than 40 years after living life with the
class of '79, we gathered together on the campus of Kentucky Christian
University, and the years melted away. My dear friends, Helen and Terry, hosted
a picnic. What a grand time of visiting and singing! Even though I had not seen
some of these fine folks since 1977, we fell right into step with one another.
Among those who attended the Alumni weekend, our
core group (who keep in touch almost daily) visited in person with joy and many
hugs. When we arrived, our sweet Holly gifted each of us with a handmade
package filled with tea and chocolate. I tucked the little treat in my
suitcase. After I arrived home, I unpacked and pulled out the bundle of
goodness. When I went to place it on my
microwave beside some pretty cups, I noticed cards sticking out. I pulled them from
the package and found words of encouragement. Holly not only gifted me with
goodies, she gave me expressions of love. "You are inscribed on the palm
of His hand." Isaiah 49:16. Plus other verses about being created in
Christ and letting my light shine. At that moment I wanted to cry tears of joy.
Holly's bundle reminds me of the joy I find in
Jesus. On what seems like an ordinary day, God surprises me with his encouragement.
Somewhere tucked into the day, if I take the time to look, Jesus shows me that
I'm his child, and He loves me. Maybe through nature or my husband or a friend,
He lets me know I am his. God wants me to pass the same encouragement He pours
over me to the individuals He places in my path. Whether family, friends, or
strangers God calls me to value people. Philippians 2:15-16 reminds us to
"shine like stars in the universe" as we hold on to the word of God.
You were created to sparkle for Jesus.
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