We've stepped up to the plate and volunteered
For Too Much.
Are you running ragged, wishing you hadn't committed to so much? I see all those hands up out there.
Perhaps some of you are considering which activity you could bow out of with the most grace, at this very moment.
Ah huh.
The problem isn't always the activity we agreed to do, our eyes have been opened and we're reminded about the time constraints and having to leave the house when a storm is raging and wouldn't it just be nice to stay home for once?
Ah huh.
Guess who's talking to you.
Wednesday is my main ministry night. I have volunteered with AWANA, stepping into every position possible, for too many years to count. Sometimes I wonder, maybe I'm taking the blessing away from someone else? Bad choice to let this thought sneak into my brain. It wedges the door open for tons of nasty thoughts.
This grousing isn't any good. Last week, I told the story of Cain and Able to the Sparks group (K-2). I pointed out Cain's grumblings, what he did to Abel, and his pleadings to God to be merciful for the punishment was too great. God in His loving kindness, despite the sin, enforced the punishment with a proviso. He gave Cain a mark to prevent anyone from killing him.
I said, "God wanted Cain to know He would take care of him and would continue to show His love."
One little girl looked up and said softly, "Will He do it for us?" Oh my. The precious question stopped me quick. I thought of how intently she listened to the story, her thought process, how she applied it to something on her mind, and how she felt at liberty to ask. The joy at hearing this question showed me how very much God is at work in the hearts of these little ones. Then, I had the privilege to tell her and the whole group looking at me and waiting for the answer. "Yes. God will do it for you, too."
These are the moments that keep us in the ministry God has called us to.
Friend: Reflect back over the ministries you have done. Which have you enjoy the most and why?
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Comments
My day job is one of the ministries I most enjoy actually. I mean, I don't always love the every day work--the spreadsheets or monthly reports or feeling like I'm doing the job of three people (which is the norm for nonprofit work). But I love knowing I'm part of a cool ministry that's really helping people and changing lives...that's a good, good feeling.
I'm so glad you had the opportunity and that you were able to do this.
God is good.