Daily Devotional for August 17, 2014

Luke 6:35-36“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

A young woman and three little girls slid into the pew we were sitting on at worship this morning.  It wasn’t long before the smallest child began to fuss.  The woman, who I supposed was the girls’ mother, took the toddler out of the sanctuary.  Soon she was back with the child, telling the older girls, “She wouldn’t stay.”  I’m assuming she tried to leave the child in the nursery.  I attempted to speak with this woman after the service, to welcome her and let her know that we have classes for all three of her children during the worship hour...and that I felt these classes might be a good fit for the girls.  But she was approached by the pastor, so we went on to pick up our own kids from Sunday school.

As I collected Timothy and Zola from their classes, this same woman approached me, apologizing profusely for her children’s behavior.  I assured her that no apologies were necessary.  I also mentioned the wonderful children’s classes that are available...and she seemed genuinely interested.  But she continued to apologize.  I told her, “I fully understand...’our’ children are 5, 3 and 2.”  “Oh!” she replied with surprise...and she thanked me.  We introduced ourselves, and I encouraged her to investigate the children’s program further, telling her how much Timothy and Zola are learning there.

See, until this young mother realized that I understood her plight, I was just another grey-headed older person that her children were disturbing in church.  I’m sure it never occurred to her that I might spend a lot of time with toddlers and preschoolers - and fully understand that they grow restless quickly and are not prone to sit still and be quiet.  Once she understood that I genuinely empathized, her whole demeanor changed.  Her embarrassment lifted and was replaced with relief that someone not only “got her”...they also seemed to really care.

How many times are we judged incorrectly or unfairly because people assume that we do not understand...and what do we do to correct this?  How uncomfortable do we make others with our indifference?  How hard would it be to smile and say to a mother in the check-out line whose child is having a complete meltdown...”It’s okay...I’ve been there.”  What would be wrong with reaching out to someone who is caring for an elderly loved one and letting them know that you have been through this and understand their struggles – and offering to help in some way that YOU KNOW would be especially supportive?  Or maybe you have experienced the loss of a precious loved one and see someone struggling with a similar situation...and you know the gestures that meant the most to you and might be helpful to this person.

Lots of mommas and daddies are saying “Good-bye” to kids this weekend and next who will be heading off to college, that first day of kindergarten or pre-k, or some other milestone event.  If you’ve “been there, done that”...you’re in a perfect position to step out and offer some kind words and encouragement...and even a little commiseration.  If you are a college student who has friends and acquaintances that are joining your campus this fall, why not reach out to them and let them know that you remember what it felt like those first few days.  Offer to “be there” for them in whatever way you feel would make a difference.

The bottom line is that we need to look around...to be awake and alert to the opportunities to give to others with no expectation of anything in return...to offer kindness, compassion and empathy to those in our midst – even when they are at their worst.  We need to show people that we truly care...and offer them the love of Christ – whenever and wherever possible.

It took less than five minutes this morning to reach out to this young woman and the three little girls (who turned out to be her daughter and two nieces)...but hopefully, she feels a little more welcome and a whole lot less self-conscious about visiting our church and bringing her family.  We need to do more of this – to be bold and stop wasting opportunities to share the love of Christ with others...in our churches, our schools and places of work, and in the community at large.  Your largest mission field might be at Wal-Mart, in the student commons area at your school, or even on the sidelines at a pee-wee football game or dance studio.  Look around and see where people need to be reached...then do what God is calling you to do in Jesus’ name!

People truly don’t care what you know...until they know that you care.  What do others know about you?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2014

Philippians 4:1
Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Sunday mornings are special for me, because we generally pick up Timothy and Zola and take them to church with us…and then out for a bite of lunch – usually at Burger King®.  The children burst through the door and run toward us…eager to get in the car and get going.  The chatter flows as they tell us about their week and speak with anticipation about the plans for our day.  Sometimes on pretty days, we go play in the park after lunch.  Occasionally, one of the children will have spent the night with us, and we are collecting the other sibling on our way to church.  And almost always, they are just as eager to stop and pick up “Grandma E” (Greg’s mother), who usually goes with us.
 
Regardless of the day or the hour, I always love to see these children and their brother, Nathan.  When more than a few days have passed between our visits, I long to see them.  They truly are my pride and joy in many ways…and I take great delight in spending time with each of them.  And perhaps you have someone who makes you feel this way…a friend, family member, significant other…or even a small child.
 
Can I tell you something?  This is how God feels about us!  He longs to spend time with us…to hear how our day/week has gone…to “catch up” and make plans…to share worship, a meal, or an adventure.  God even longs for our company when we engage in play.  Everything about us delights Him…in spite of our sinful nature and our penchant for misbehaving!
 
Just as importantly, God wants us to develop relationships with others…connections that bring us pride and joy.  He wants us to let others know how important they are to us…just as Paul expressed to the Philippians in this letter.  God wants us to truly desire relationships with others…and to know how to show it!  He wants us to get along…to share each other’s joys and sorrows…and to truly make others feel valued, precious, and appreciated.
 
How well do you accomplish this?  Are you fully engaged when you talk to others?  Do you make time in your day to visit with people…to minister to them…to celebrate their joys and triumphs…and to console them in their sorrows and sadness?  Do others truly know that you care?  Do they feel loved…important…as if you are proud and happy to know them and be a part of their lives?
 
Just how good are you at relationships?  Have you paid attention to the example of Jesus and implemented this in your discipleship?  People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.  What do others know about you?
 
©2014 Debbie Robus