His Timing

Only hours after reading a blog written by a missionary in Japan, I met a lady from Kobe, Japan! In all the years I've lived in this area (46), I can't recall ever having met anyone from Japan. My mind was freshly filled with all things Japanese, and an easy conversation began to flow between us. Though she has only been in the U.S. for five years, her English was very good, and we parted with promises to get together again. Throughout God's Word, I see His Hand working to have people right where He wants them right when He wants them to be there. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

Be There

Two people talking. Are they listening? Two people talking, occasionally taking a call on their cell phone. Are they listening? Two people talking, occasionally taking a call on their cell phone, occasionally texting. Are they listening? Two people talking, occasionally taking a call on their cell phone, occasionally texting, occasionally tweeting. Are they listening? Listening requires great skill and patience. It is rarely done well even in a quiet room with no interruptions, yet it is something we all long for and desire. Being heard, being understood. Lord, help us to love each other with lavish listening.

Motivating Growth

By the end of summer, our lawn lacks luster. The long dry days, the multitude of moles, the frequent fights with fungus result in a less than appealing appearance. Nevertheless, as fall arrives my husband aerates, overseeds and fertilizes. He puts out mole traps and slug bait. He waters, transplants, and works! Not much happens...at first. Around December, he usually comments, "I think I'm going to give up on this lawn. It looks terrible, and I can't get rid of these moles!" But, then there's spring! Beauty, the fruit of his labor, blossoms at last. And, suddenly he is ready to get back to the business of making a masterpiece out of his mole hills. So often, in my efforts to share my faith with others, I don't see any fruit, and I am tempted to give up. Then the Lord will send the beauty of those first signs of growth in someone I've been praying for, and suddenly I'm ready to get back to the business of making His Name known among the nations! "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1)