More than the Whos

First thought: I need to be a little more consistent in this. Second thought: I need a few more hours each day to do it.
I took the opportunity tonight to travel to my hometown--the bustling burg of Donovan, IL, population 350...if you count the dogs and cats. The high school put on a performance of Seussical the Musical, and I knew several of the cast members. The musical was tremendous, and all the actors/actresses did a fantastic job.
The highlight of the evening, though, wasn't The Cat in the Hat (who was born the week I left for college) or Mayzie (who I've known since she was in grade school) or the Whos or Horton. No, the highlight for me came before the show even started.
Think back on your life for a moment. Who are the people who impacted your life in such a way that you could never forget? Maybe at the moment you didn't realize the importance their presence in your life, at that moment, would have years later. Maybe they didn't even do anything profound. I often think back to my wayward days in high school--the social nobody who never got invited to parties, never had a boyfriend, went to dances alone, who sought out acceptance in anyway possible. Though I loved school for the academics, I hated the social aspect of it. One of the bright lights those four years was youth group, especially my senior year. A couple from the "other" church in town invested time with us occassionally, and I eventually formed what has been a great friendship through the years with the wife. I've watched her two oldest children grow into adults who love God and desire for Him to be their guide. I've watched their youngest son grow into a young man who loves life and lives it to the fullest. I don't get to spend much quantity time with the family, but savor every hour we do have as quality time.
Thus, the tears when I unexpectedly ran into her tonight. I hadn't expected to see her due to her work schedule. A trip to purchase a cookie shaped like a hat suddenly became the highlight of the evening for me.
So, thank you friend. I can't say enough how much your friendship has meant over the years. Thank you for being there. I am blessed to know you.

Father, thank You for this family, their friendship, and the impact they have had on so many people. Thank You that You saw fit to connect us in Christ so many years ago, and with a connection that can never end. Help me to see more each day the impact I have on those around me. Help me to be Your light to them, young or old, rich or poor, that they may see You in my life. Not that I would receive glory, but that they would glorify the One who lives in me.

One of Life's Little Lessons

I have to admit to something. But, maybe before I do, I need to briefly go over our current sermon series. The series is entitled "Unself" (gotta love the age of "make your own word"), with the main point of showing us, through Scripture, practical steps to get over ourselves and start focusing on the main thing--God. Needless to say, for someone who admitedly struggles with selfishness, the series has been convicting (and, in some areas, confirmation of previous thoughts/ideas. I'm slow sometimes.).
That being said, I am going to relay a brief story that happened recently. I passed on some news to some friends that I knew would make said friends happy and give them an opportunity to connect with another person. This situation would also allow others the same opportunity. When I passed on the information, I did so out of a pure heart, wanting to see my friends encouraged. I even offered to help make this event happen. However, as time passed, "self" reared it's ugly head and threatened to adversely affect my relationship with these friends. Much prayer, biting my tongue, and more prayer prevented anything manipulative from being said (like, hey, I helped you out, why don't you pass on the blessing...). Instead, I chose (and it wasn't easy) to look at the situation from THEIR point of view, not mine, and saw that what was going on made much more sense than what I wanted to happen. And, it turns out, that I was blessed in so many more ways than if what I had wanted to happen, occured. Huh. Go figure.
I say all that to say this: when we step outside of ourselves and GIVE of ourselves, even (sometimes) in the trivial, God will take that situation to bless us in ways we couldn't even imagine.
Father, I know in the big scheme of things, this little situation probably doesn't amount to a whole lot. But I do know that You have reached my heart, taught me many lessons, and blessed several people in the process. Thank You for being patient with me as "self" moves out, leaving more room for You to move in, to fill, and to bless. Thank You for being a loving God who knows EXACTLY what we need, when we need...even when we think otherwise. I know this is a small example of Who You are, but thank You, Lord, for revealing this nugget of Your goodness, grace, and mercy.