Tonight I am deviating a little from my normal writings on this site. I am privileged to be sharing my thoughts from the computer in the room that for so many years was my Dad’s home office. As I look around, the values he held dear are immediately apparent. There are accolades and plaques of appreciation from the community, from his time spent in the service, from his committment to education, and most importantly from his time spent serving the community in his ministry.
By far the most important objective in his life, however, was living for Christ and sharing the good news of salvation to all with whom he came in contact. He believed in living his faith through ministering to the needs of others. He believed in listening to the heart of a person, and looking past the surface to find the value and potential God saw. Through his example he impressed this upon my heart in a way I had not fully realized until today.
A few moments ago I walked through a local mega store packed with people scrambling to complete their Thanksgiving holiday shopping lists. Feeling bombarded and overwhelmed by the crowd, I stopped to wait by one of the displays set up in a middle aisle. As I became still I had the opportunity to observe the faces of those pushing past. Some reflected kindness and compassion, while others seemed troubled or even bitter.
The longer I watched, the more my heart became inexplainably burdened. I found myself beginning to pray silently as they passed. I wondered what these folks were facing. I wondered whether they were anticipating a joyous time with family this holiday, or whether there was pain, loneliness, or struggle involved.
I thought of Thanksgivings in my past that were less than ideal. I thought of a young friend whose life had recently changed drastically from a series of bad decisions which culminated in one life-changing horrible event. I thought of his family and the pain they are no doubt experiencing. I thought of friends who were celebrating the first Thanksgiving after the loss of a loved one.
As I sit here with Dad’s picture looking back at me, I have a greater appreciation of the mornings he spent behind these closed doors reading his Bible and talking with his Heavenly Father. I know without a doubt he carried these same burdens on his heart. He spent many hours in prayer for those in need as well as time giving thanks for each answered prayer.
So today, I want to take a moment to pray for each of you. First, let me thank you for taking the time to read the thoughts I have shared with you so far. It blesses me to see each time someone has seen the words God has placed on my heart to write. I also thank you for sharing this site with others. I pray it is a help to someone thus bringing something good out of something meant to be harmful.
For those of you who are experiencing heartache, I pray for a balm to mend your broken heart. For those who are experiencing loneliness, I pray for love and friendship. For those who are grieving lost loved ones, I pray for solace. For those who have little, I pray for plenty. For those who are imprisoned by addictions, I pray the chains that bind you be broken. For those who are in danger, I pray for safety. For those who are homeless, I pray for shelter. For those who are jobless, I pray for a means of support. For those who have questions, I pray for answers. For those without a Savior, I offer you Jesus.
My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has the power and means to meet any and all of your needs. If you have never received Him as your Savior, I pray you ask Him into your heart and allow Him to become the Lord of your life. It is a decision I promise you will never regret. When I surrendered my all, I finally understood the true meaning of contentment and thanksgiving in these days of waiting.
Isaiah 61: 1-6 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
Cinderella in Waiting 