Blythe is in 5th grade and recently celebrated her 11th birthday. One of the guests invited to her birthday celebration was Olivia, a 15-year-old 1oth grader she knows through her church, Antioch Community in Pearland, Texas. For her gift, Olivia gave Blythe an intentional hang out time. When the special day arrived, the girls went out to eat for breakfast, paid for with money Olivia had earned from babysitting. Next the girls went to a park with a lake. Olivia brought out two canvases and paints. As they sat and visited, the girls painted the lake and its surroundings. After the outing, Tiffany, Blythe’s mother posted her appreciation and pictures from their special time. “I can’t thank you enough, Olivia. I love that Blythe has you to look up to. I am posting to honor you and because y’all are super cute but also to encourage other high school girls to have little girls on your radar. It will mean more to her (and her parents) than you will ever know. You don’t have to spend money to invest in another life!” Olivia’s mother also gave an intentional gift by providing the transportation, since Olivia doesn’t have her driver’s license yet.
Anna Elmas related a story about a resident of Kyiv, Ukraine this past week. A man left the bomb shelter for a while, to check things out, and spotted a parked car on the street. As he walked by, he noticed the keys had been left in the ignition and the doors were unlocked. For two long hours he watched and waited to see if anyone would claim the car. When no one came, the man quickly grabbed his family, got in the car, and drove to Vinnitsa to be with relatives. Upon inspection, a phone number was found in the glove compartment of the car. A phone call was placed and the man confessed to stealing the car, in order to save his family. In reply he heard, “Thank God, don’t worry, I have 4 cars. I took my family out in my jeep. The rest of the cars I filled with fuel and left in different places with the keys in the ignition and the number in the glove compartment. I received calls back from all cars. There will be peace – see you. Take care of yourself!”
This week may we, too, be intentional in finding ways to gift others with our time, money, talents, and resources.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-13
No comments:
Post a Comment