Don't Forget December

Here it is again...that month of the year that is consumed so easily with gift buying, parties, and festivities focused on the baby in the manger who came to save us all.  But don't forget....that baby grew up to teach and leave us with more than a way to Heaven...He left us with a purpose.  A purpose so great, and so challenging, yet we often lose sight of it in the chaos of life.  We get so caught up being who and what we chose, teachers, moms, dads, bankers, doctors, etc., that we forget what He chose us for....to be His hands and His feet....to love the unlovable.....to act on our faith in Him with actions of love towards others.  Be very clear, you can absolutely work for Him through your career and daily life but He is asking for more....more than me....more than you....more than the daily duties that you are already fulfilling.  As I was leaving the grocery store today, I saw a young woman with dreadlocks standing out at the end of the parking lot with no cars near her.  It was safe to assume she was either nomadic, homeless or waiting for a ride but either way, I sensed she was lost....perhaps literally and figuratively.  As I drove past her, I thought of my grandma Dot who was known to pick up hitchhikers...she always said you never know when a hitchhiker is an angel in need.  I think of her saying that every time I see someone on the side of the road....but I've never stopped to offer a ride.  There are CRAZY people in this world! They could do harm to me....all these thoughts are going through my head in a matter of seconds as I'm driving past this girl with the blond dreadlocks. Then all of a sudden, my car did this crazy thing, the traction control came on.  It causes my car to kind of slow and make a weird sound...but all I was focused on was this girl in my rearview mirror.  I slowed for a few seconds until my traction control went off and then continued on my way.  All the while thinking of this woman....wondering....is she lost, is she homeless, is she on drugs, does she have a family....but I didn't...I didn't stop even though my car wanted to.  As I sit here tonight, by a warm fire, with a loving, health family, I can't help but think my car having this strange issue at that moment when there was no reason for the traction control to come on and when remembering my grandmother, was God's way to reminding me to not forget my purpose!  Why didn't I stop the car, offer something and show His love?! Maybe all I had was the Hershey's chocolate bar with almonds that I was getting ready to inhale, but I bet He can do a lot and open a lot of doors with a Hershey's bar.  I failed tonight, as I do a lot, but thanks to His grace, there's tomorrow.   So this will be Don't Forget December for me....don't forget His purpose for you.  Oh, and you might stock up on Hershey bars and carry them with you.  I'm confident He can do great things with just a Hershey's bar. #dontforgetdecember

Matthew 25:37-40
 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
 
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
 
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.