how the little things you do in life can affect and help others! God gives us gifts and talents but WE assume sometimes that they do not help others as much as the spiritual gifts. But we just never know... until someone tells us.
Recently I had an opportunity to quilt for a friend I had not seen in a long while. She lost her dear husband about 18 months ago. I can imagine the void this left in her life, but not having been there, I'm just imagining. I can imagine the difficulty of getting up each day and noting his absence, of everything around you reminding you that he's not there, but not having been there myself....
I was so thrilled when I received an email from her and noted her excitement over the quilts that are headed back to her in the mail. But more important than the quilts is what she had to say about how getting back to quilting has helped her.
"I have been piecing a bunch this week and have discovered it is very comforting to me. Since losing my husband, I have kinda wondered around the house looking for things to do. Finally decided to get in there and start working on all my "stash of material". I know that receiving the quilts will inspire me even more. So I thank you for the encouragement you've given me!"
Who would have thought that me just "doing my quilting thing" could have helped someone in this way? How blessed I am to be able to do something I love each day (and get paid for it), and then the Lord (who provided both the talent and opportunity for me to do this) uses it to help others. That is just AWESOME!
So my word today for you is: Don't shortchange or discount the gifts/talents/abilities God has given YOU... He has great plans and purposes for you to use them to help others... and you just never know how that will come about!
Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
HMMM... an expected end... That sounds like "plan and purpose" to me!!
So may I challenge you today... go forth and use your abilities to touch others.
Mark 9:41 (KJV) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Many times we have no idea how we may have helped someone through our simple actions, but then once in a while, someone lets us know. What an encouragement that is!
So my second challenge is... if someone has encouraged YOU in some way, let them know about it today!
Be blessed today, and be a blessing, too!
Kat
Thank you for the gentle reminder that we don't "work" for our customers, we "work" for Jesus! Good attitude adjustment this morning Kathy, thank you! karen in TX
ReplyDeleteKat,
ReplyDeleteThanks for using your gifts and talents in and around church!
The worship today was totally awesome and God's presence was so strong. I loved the way you started us off with a scripture, which was so appropriate and anointed. It led us right to the throne.
Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you, the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
You are a light for Him wherever you go!
Love you,
Paula