Save my life

It was Sunday morning. Sitting there silently with my folks in that typical pew, surrounded by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of my church, I listened to my fellow church members share thoughts, scripture, prayers, etc. It was just a typical Sunday, always something new, but still the same general routine. I tried to block out all my pains, stresses, fears so that I could better focus on the words being shared. (Those negative thoughts, feelings, and situations love to interfere when we attempt to set our eyes on Christ.) I need to focus; I need to commune with God; this is MY time with Jesus. I blocked everything out and began to quietly pray.

Just as I was getting situated, I heard a small sound to my left. An almost silent sniffle. I peaked out the corner of my eye and sure enough, a tear rolled down my neighbors cheek...and then another. She found a tissue in her purse as several more tears like the first began to fall. I paused...what do I do? I really need this time with God, just me and Him. Another sniffle. I stopped. My heart broke as I remembered some of the struggles she had encountered in her life. Slowly, quietly, I inched my way closer gently placing my arm around her, silently drawing her close with a strong squeeze. As she composed herself, here and there others stood to share struggles they were facing. My mind drifted to friends experiencing a whole gamut of hardships. Everyone I knew had a story. I scanned the room and wondered what pains were hidden behind those smiling faces. Going full circle my attention finished with me...how often to I reach out and address those hurts in others? Do I draw them close to comfort and love them, or am I always too busy?

Jesus was never too busy to show love. Even though He may have been exhausted, hungry, or on a mission....he always took time for the hurting, sick, wounded, unclean, even the dead. There was never a grievance to small that He ignored it or too big that He didn't give it all He had. He saw every pain and addressed it with all His attention. I desperately wish I could say I've done the same in my life, but I know that's not true. I'm a busy lady! And way too often I find myself focused on my own agenda rather than on being the hands and feet of Christ. But Jesus was that perfect example, something we can (and should) strive for in our own lives. Show love to others today, you never know how God will use even a small kind word or act of encouragement to touch a grief stricken soul.

     Save My Life - Sidewalk Prophets

 

What We're Here For - The Afters

                                          

 With Every Act of Love - Jason Gray