11/13/2025
"Therefore, since we are surrounded
by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us...."
Hebrews 12:1
I'm trying to carve out a portion of my day to get some tasks completed around the homestead, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find that little slice of time! Sunday after church the boxes will need to be packed for Operation Christmas Child, and it seems as if it was only yesterday that we did this. Last year we packed 401 boxes, and what a process that was. All year long the ladies at Hardy Central Baptist Church work on various projects to include in the boxes, then contributions are dropped off all during the year. My sister said that the church has been working every day this week just to get the sorting done, so that on Sunday after church the packing will be easily completed. They have it all planned with the boxes for boys/girls in the age categories along the side of the wall, then items are arranged in age groups on tables. It's quite orderly and functional, so all the volunteers come to help, and the work is done in short order. I'm not sure how many boxes Pinkie has determined to fill, but generally she ups the ante each year. This will be my third year of being involved in this blessed event.
Operation Christmas Child is only one event in supporting children, as there are many other national, international, and local community efforts all year round - and not just for children, but for anyone who has a need. It's a wonderful thing to help someone who needs our tangible support. Many times we become so selfishly embroiled in our own concerns that we give little thought to the needs of others, or we simply brush it aside, or say, "maybe later." Christmas time is a time when the need seems to become more evident, as many children never receive a toy. Most of these countries are happy just to get food to eat for the day. I have supported a young man in Kenya through Compassion International for several years, and when he receives a little money for a birthday, Christmas, or just so, he uses it to buy a goat for his family and perhaps a few necessities for himself, but most of it goes towards his family's needs. This is the heart these precious children have. This warms my heart so much. As my own children were growing up we tried to teach them about service and giving to others. They loved to fill baskets with little samples of necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, tissues, and little sweets and a cute gift for the nursing home residents. These people are so grateful for a visit from anyone, but when they see children coming their faces beam with joy and their smiles stretch across their thin, frail faces with joy. This needs to be an everyday experience, because many are tucked away in facilities and no one ever comes to visit except for the nurses and case managers. I know, as I have served the community as a case manager.
Recently I had to ask forgiveness of a dear friend who is now in assisted living, because I haven't visited her for almost a year. Shame on me. There are no excuses, and believe me I have them, but even though they are legitimate, I needed to make time. I have phoned, but only once I think in all that time. Ever gracious, she forgave me, and we will be getting together, hopefully this week for a day out and about. I still have her Christmas gift from last time, plus her birthday gift. This is utter nonsense, and it most certainly is NOT loving my neighbor. But when we fall into these traps, even as I say with things like prayer calls and ministry, not leaving time for the "go and be the hands and feet of Jesus," then something has to change. My life is out of balance, and over the past few months I have been doing things I used to do while balancing what God has called me to do along with living in this world. I've visited my cousins, and we hope to get together again sooner than later, and I have connected with two cousins on the other side of the family for a reunion. People are important, and the message we as Christians carry is so important. Yesterday I spoke about my trip to the dentist on the 11th and how I shared my testimony. I hope to take that young lady a Bible, as she said she couldn't understand the one she was reading. Another day at Walmart, as we were leaving the store, the lady said "Have a nice day," so I said "and you have a blessed Thanksgiving!" Her face lit up, and I knew that she was a believer, as we shared about the goodness of the Lord and about gratitude for all we have. It's the little things we do that cause the light to shine. And it's the many little things that hinder that call of God:
"No one lights a lamp and hides it! Instead, he puts it on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room. Your eyes light up your inward being. A pure eye lets sunshine into your soul. A lustful eye shuts out the light and plunges you into darkness. So watch out that the sunshine isn't blotted out. If you are filled with light within, with no dark corners, then your face will be radiant too, as though a flood light is beamed upon you." (Luke 11:33-36 NLT)
When Jesus was asked what was the most important commandment, this is how He replied:
"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And you must love your neighbor just as much as you love yourself." (Luke 10:27)
Then He was asked "Who is my neighbor?" As Jesus' preferred way was teaching using illustrations, He responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. The New Living Translation that I have been using puts things more clearly, so I will let you read this familiar story about how a despised man from Samaria proved to be a better neighbor than the religious leaders who passed by, not wanting to be defiled on a Sabbath day. When Jesus finished the parable, He asked the man who in the story was a neighbor to the victim in the story. The man responded naturally that the one who showed kindness and mercy was the better neighbor. Jesus ends the discourse by saying: "Then Jesus said, 'Yes, now go and do the same.'" And this is His word to us.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12
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