As I take the Christmas decor down in my home, I ponder the events of the last weeks. During the holidays, I had the sad privilege of attending the funerals of two wise men, who each used their gifts to bless those around them, and glorify their Lord. The celebrations of their lives impressed upon me what Ephesians 6:7 encourages, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." (NIV)
One of these wise men lived out his life using his gifts of teaching and love of sports by being a mentor and coach to his family and others.
He coached kids and attended grandchildren's games, spent quiet hours on the lake baiting hooks and just being quiet, and faithfully attended a men's bible study, growing deeper in his faith. He didn't let pride and a stroke keep him from enjoying the last 20 years, despite having difficulty with simple tasks like driving and speaking. He showed those around him that being humble and receiving can minister to others as much as serving and giving.
The other wise man had different gifts. He was a builder, a mechanic, an artist and engineer. He could fix things. He was an encourager of people. He lifted their spirits through his smile, his laugh, his interest in them.
He worked alongside others, leading, guiding, building into them what it meant to have a relationship with a loving heavenly Father.
Two men, very different gifts and lives. Both left this world with undone projects, because they knew people were a priority, and spending time with their Lord came before worldly pursuits.
God gifts each of us gifts. It is our job to use them wisely and freely for the benefit of others, and to His glory. I am sure both of these wise men heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Just something to think about going into a New Year...and while taking the Christmas decorations down.
:') 'like'
Posted by: krista | Friday, January 09, 2015 at 09:56 PM
Very beautifully written! Love thinking that they both had unfinished projects because they were focusing on the people in their lives...so true!
Posted by: Molly | Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 07:28 PM
Kind of goes back to the Martha and Mary story...do we focus on getting it all done, or take time for relationship building, God and people?
Posted by: Lora Bloomquist | Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 05:40 AM