Water and Hats

Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? Matthew 25:37 NASB

It was a down day when I read these words. With the disciples I asked Jesus “When have I ever given you a cup of water?” I remembered the road to Calvary when someone gave Him a drink and when His lips touched vinegar. Nothing in my life seemed worthy of Him who died for me. I tucked the question into the back of my mind and lived on.

A year or so later, a work crew cleared brush across from our house. A young woman, dripping sweat, held the “slow/stop” sign. Head and neck exposed to the sun, she would soon be in pain. Immediately I knew my job was to give her a bottle of water from the refrigerator. Surprised, she took it.

“Not enough” the Spirit told me. “Get the Safari hat.” I knew He meant the one left over from a Vacation Bible School program.

“I don’t know where it is,” I said, but walked straight to the cranny where it was stored and carried it outside.

Even more surprised, the hat's new owner said,“It wasn’t hot this morning.”

Looking back, I know Jesus wanted to underline His message that He will reveal others' needs. He will tell us where the hats are stored so we can get them without thinking. We don’t need to wonder about our service. He leads us daily.

Prayer: Lord Help us be on the alert for when you want us to help friends, relatives, acquaintances or strangers. Amen.

© 2010 V. Colclasure

The Train

Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Psalm 27:11 (NIV)

The bright moon fills the bedroom with light. A train whistle interrupts the quiet night along with a roaring engine and clicking wheels on the track. It's a freight train; passenger trains are quieter. The clatter gets louder and louder until it sounds as though the train is outside my door. I wonder where it's going. It doesn't take long for the train to pass and the night is silent again.

Life is a fast moving train. God laid out a track for me to follow. The years I spent raising children roared by quickly. Before I knew what happened, I found myself sitting in an empty house. There were many stops along the way. Listening to others caused me to make some bad choices, and I derailed. God was always there to put me back together and set me going in the right direction. Keeping in the Word, shows me which route He wants me to pursue. Living the Word helps me to stay on course.I look back and wonder where did my life go? I want the time I have left to be valuable. As I travel, God will continue to be the conductor, I am the train taking His Word to everyone.

At the end of the line, I want to stand before God and have him say to me. "Well done my good and faithful servant.

"Lord, show me how to make a difference in this world. Help me to become a better disciple for you.

© Marcella Panowicz 2009