18 Jan Thank you for your witness.
Last Saturday the boy and I were out eating and as a woman left she leaned in at our table, “Thank you for your witness,” were the words she spoke.
We looked at each other blankly and then back to her for an explanation…
We had just been talking about our families and, most recently, how we want our wedding to go (no need to freak out, it’s just talk [for the moment]). I thought, “For what? Doing a wedding the way we want?”
Confusion ensued. For just a moment because she quickly caught on to our glazed over eyes and silent mouths that we were not understanding.
“Praying before your meal. Thank you.”
Oh.
Then we understood.
The moment was brief and seemingly insignificant.
But it was not insignificant.
It was a push, a light, a glimmer of good, or whatever positive thing this woman took away from it.
I take great comfort in knowing that we are not responsible for changing lives, but “simply” leading the lives worthy of our calling and God does the rest of the work.
Be kind…and someone’s entire week is changed.
Be joyful…and change hearts.
Be meek…and soften another’s pride.
Pray…and encourage another.
It seems insignificant sometimes, but only when my mind slips away from the truth that God is near. That the master Planner is at work. It is not mundane. It is not unnoticed.
We’ve been in Thessalonians in my bible study this week. It is full of goodness.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (Not, me.)
[5:24, NIV]
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
[5:16-18]
It is not in our trying but our not trying that usually seems to make the most impact. For instance, one of my own personal goals this year is to alter my thinking. (Impeccable timing for CBT). I find though, that when I focus on telling myself to not think something or to stop thinking something I become so completely disheartened that it seems I was made to believe the lies that play in my head.
It is only when I focus on the truth…that I grasp onto hope.
Truth that God is good all the time and is always working for good despite what it may seem.
Truth that God loves me unconditionally.
Truth that God is the god of Peace that surpasses all logic and understanding.
Truth that He is stable and calm and a rock even in the midst of a storm.
Truth that He is always, always with me, guiding me, and gently leading me even when it seems otherwise.
Truth that He knows the outcome so I don’t need to.
Truth that He is, in fact a God of beauty and details…and He designed me; the Master Artist sculpted me and has written my story.
Truth that His kingdom is not chaotic, not dark, not lonely, nor scary.
Truth that His reality is joy, peace, and hope that are never at risk. His certainty is just that: certain.
Truth that I am a beloved child of God, recklessly pursued with loving grace and open arms.
Truth that my destiny is clear in Him.
When that is my focus…the lies become whispers. They linger still, but soften ever more with time.
And it matters. It is significant.
Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.
[Philippians 2:14-16]
Thank you for your witness.
It’s awe-inspiring.
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