Dear Friends,
Why do I need winter, a garage, a cat, Jawbreakers, and a
friend to help me to learn contentment and joy? Isn’t reading
God’s word and going to church enough? Well, it’s NOT for this writer.
Sermons at church about joy and contentment prick my heart from time to time. But when those lessons are coupled with relationships that show me the contrast between what I SHOULD do and what I AM doing—then things get moving. Change happens. We all know that God's word says to imitate Jesus. To do that, we must be constantly changing. If I'm imitating Him, then I'm always repenting of my sin and seeking His design. My friend Jane is helping me to do that in a mighty way.
Jane asks me, “How can I heat the
garage I’m living in with a space heater and not drive up the owner’s utility
bill?” I admit my ignorance and then
begin to brainstorm with her. She is not
bitter about her living situation—quite the opposite. In fact, I actually notice her contentment and her gratitude to the family letting her live in their garage.
WOW, that is in STARK contrast to the
way that I respond to all I have.
Now we get to the part about Jane’s cat—I really don’t like cats. Jane has four
cats, and she loves them. So
where does my friend find her joy? She is elated to be on our computers at
Advance learning how to use email so that she can communicate with an agency that
will help take care of her cats for free. As I am talking to her, she asks me a
question about email. Eventually
she sends off her request for help, delighted that she
has found a way to help her cats.
Then Jane’s Champion (mentor) arrives. Jane jumps
up—thrilled—and says “I love this lady!” You see, Jane had been asking for a
Champion for months (she went through Jobs for Life before we offered
mentoring). Advance began to pray and ask friends if they would be this woman’s
Champion. God has answered that prayer and Jane is studying God’s word with her
Champion. This mentor knew it was my friend’s birthday and brought a cake to
celebrate! Now Jane's joy was overflowing; her delight over cats being helped for free, having a friend to study the Bible with her, and having a birthday
cake. I have more friends and invitations to study the
Bible than I can possibly accept, plus birthday cake options
every year. Again, God is using her joy and contentment to convict my
heart.
Now let’s deal with this box of candy. A couple of weeks ago
Jane was in the office and shared her Jawbreakers with me. Today she asks me to close my
eyes because she has a surprise for me. We all know the game and I was happy to play. Her hands are behind her
back. I’m told to pick a hand. I pick left and am given a box of Jawbreakers!
I’m thrilled with the gift and my heart is now in tension.
Friends, this woman joyfully lives in a garage and has
planned this purchase and gift for me—JAWBREAKERS. Why don’t I have more joy,
contentment, and generosity in my life? Oh, the reasons are many; maybe my
environment is too sterile (church, neighborhood, school) or maybe I’m just
“too busy” to plan a thoughtful gift or
listen to God or reflect on a sermon.
I know I'm not the only one who benefits from seeing this contrast. Won't you come get involved in a personal
relationship and begin to embrace cats, candy, and garages? God will continue to use His word and many
other things—Jawbreakers!—to move us toward being more joyful, content, and
generous. Please bring your time, talents, and resources. Let’s
build His kingdom and embrace reciprocal learning!
Sincerely,
Steve
Sincerely,
Steve
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