Sunday, January 24, 2010

Service for any season

Well, it is Sunday and all my family has left for church. I didn't go today because I feel like I am coming down with a cold. Since my surgery is Wednesday, I knew I had better stay home and rest and get lots of fluids in me. I do feel like I am keeping it a bay so far!

I was reading a talk that a friend of mine gave, after looking at the notes I thought...even though she gave this at Christmas time it is very appropriate for any season. She herself is a great example of service and so it meant even more hearing someone who lives it, talk about it! I will share some of those with you today, I know it's not Christmas but wouldn't the world be a better place if we all acted like it was every day?

In John chapter 21 we read where Jesus asks Simon Peter "lovest thou me?" he repeated it three times. At the end of that conversation, Christ said then "Feed my sheep". I don't think it was any accident that Christ repeated that question more than once. I can imagine that if He were here today, that He might ask me the same question. Any time we repeat ourselves it is usually to make sure that we are being heard and that is probably the point of this scripture. "Feed my Sheep". Service!  It sounds so simple but there are many times in our lives when things get so busy that maybe we don't serve or look for opportunities to serve. For some reason at Christmas it is a little easier to do so, why?  Maybe because hearts are softened, many  people are thinking more of Christ and the purpose of His birth? Whatever the reason, Christmas is just a kinder, sweeter and more giving time than any other time of the year. I think we need to keep that spirit of Christmas, spirit of giving and the spirit of Feeding the Sheep all year long.  Christ asks us to give of ourselves, to help lift others around us, share with those in need, to strengthen and gladden, to help them come unto Him. If we do so then we can truly be called disciples of Christ.

"Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. . . . In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers"  ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

In Matthew 25:40 Christ says..."Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye  have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me"

The Savior gave himself, that first Christmas, for, the very reason He was born that glorious night in an animal shelter was to show us the way, and to one day, give His life for each of us.

The gift He gave did not come from a merchant, in fact it was without price

It was given in humble circumstances without any thought of reward

It wasn’t wrapped in shiny paper with an expensive bow

It was a gift anticipated by prophets and adored by simple shepherds and wise men alike.

It was a gift that everyone, throughout the ages, would need

It was a gift that would stand the test of time and ultimately last forever.

So even though it is not Christmas time, it is almost Valentine's Day, what a perfect way to get ready for it ...by serving and loving others. Thanks to each of you, who have shown that type of Christ like service and love to me and my family!

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