Today’s Post By: Sheree Craig
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5)
I met her about five years back. I held small conversations with her here and there, nothing of real substance or life changing topics. I helped on very few occasions to serve alongside her. I did not have the privilege to learn from her words or hear of her experiences. I missed out on opportunities to serve as she did due to schedule conflict. My contribution to her ministry fell short weekly. Looking back, I wish I would have shared more conversations, served alongside and contributed more. . .
Although none of this took place, an indelible mark lay on my heart. I am not one to go and join a conversation or bring attention to myself in any way, shape or form. I observe and take in my surroundings. The example set by this woman was not spoken or taught directly. The learning occurred from afar. I watched her smile with each encounter. No matter the situation in her life, a smile lit every room entered. A glad heart shined at all times. . . “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” (Proverbs 15:13) Find joy in your heart when focusing on our God. No matter the storm or calm facing your day, there is peace in Him. Spread this to others with one simple smile.
I watched her serve day in and day out, saying ‘Yes’ each time God asked. . .“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) “In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” (1 Chronicles 31:21) “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Serve without grumbling, complaining or dread. Say yes when others say no. Keep your eyes on the work God laid out for your life, fulfilling each task asked of you wholeheartedly. Give God 100% effort all while shining His light onto each person encountered.
I watched her joyfully care for a grandson. She also worked in a school. Knowledge cannot be bottled up only for ourselves. She taught the next generation. . .“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2) The next generation needs us to show the way to Christ. Pass down His Truth so they may come to know Him and follow His teachings. Then, that generation will pass it down to the next. The cycle will continue and God’s Kingdom will grow. Be a part of it, start today sharing His Word and setting the example for the next generation to follow.
She sang beautifully in His name. . .“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1) Worship Him in song. It prepares us for Heaven. Don’t be scared – crank up the radio, roll down the windows and sing of His glory (okay, so maybe I am the only one who does this). Your voice is nothing short of beautiful when singing praise to our God (at least that is what I tell myself).
Down to her last breath, she set an example of strong faith, hope and love. I may not have heard her speak much, but I heard her message loud and clear. When I get to Heaven, I will find her and thank her personally for the example set for me. I pray I can share that with others and that when I reach the pearly gates I will hear the same words she heard – “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
We do not realize who could be watching us from afar. Be aware and with each move set an example worth following. Ask, in every situation, ‘What would Jesus do’? Then, do it! Smile through it all, for this is only temporary and as one her last posts reminded me – “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) There is so much more than this. Keep your eyes on the prize! Serve wholeheartedly and give back to Him Who gave us everything that we did not deserve. Share all you learn with the next generation, help them along the way and steer them so they may not turn to the left or to the right. Help them stay the course by teaching them of all the obstacles you know about. And sing His praise at all times. Give it back to Him.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
