I See You

Dear followers of Jesus,

I see you.

I see you taking a meal to your neighbors, and taking your friend to an appointment.

I see you clearing tables after a meal at church, and I see you showing your Sunday school students how to do it with you.

I see you changing diapers in the nursery, teaching energetic children, and welcoming strangers.

I see you worshiping in joy and in brokenness, sometimes both at the same time. 

I see you volunteering at the local school and the nursing home and packing meals for the hungry.

I see you inviting people into your home to remind them they are part of a family.

I see you encouraging the people around you, not wanting even one to get away without knowing how loved they are.

I see you letting others know when someone needs more prayers or help than you can offer alone.

I see you leading, tirelessly, coordinating details and working behind the scenes.

I see you approaching your job as a calling and a ministry.

I see you caring for the widow and the orphan and the alien.

I see you drawing attention to Jesus, and not to yourself, sharing hope from the scriptures and his love from your heart.

I see you breathing life and beauty into the world around you.

It seems as though a lot of people miss it, because for some reason or another, they are not close enough to notice. 

I hope and trust you'll keep living out the life of Jesus anyway.  I love being the church with you.  You inspire me.

Full Circle

It became abundantly obvious that day 

when he stood next to that mama tiger's cub

that he had come full circle.

Where this mom had once stood a little intimidated

by the presence of that big wild cat next to her tiny, happy boy,

now mama tiger's cub was dwarfed by him.

It was almost as though she had noticed too.

He has come full circle in ways too numerous to count.

And he's been teaching us to say goodbye

almost since we first said hello.

Tonight he graduates.

Of course we are proud of him.  He's our son.

But this one thing struck me as so appropriate.

He's a guy who values honor more than honors.

He is, indeed, graduating with honor.

"He has told you, O man, what is good:

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice,

to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8