I have to share this story. (again)My life was changed/challenged/encouraged at the DENTIST last week.
I mean, beyond the normal plaque, floss more, buy this toothpaste jazz.
the DENTIST!
Of all the places for God to reach down and say, "Hello, Emily! Here's My word for you!", this friendly, 6-month check up is one of the last places I would expect.
April was my dental hygienist and she was the exact image of what a life lived for and through Jesus looks like. She had cleaned my teeth 6 months prior, but I had totally forgotten how kind she was. Thankfully, I was quickly reminded when she cheerfully came out to greet me & we plunged into our dialog. (haha, though it eventually became a monologue :) Within the first several minutes we had covered school & relationship statuses...typical 'small talk' but such a blessing to be encouraged to continue preparing my outdoor work (Prov. 24:27) and seeking Jesus first (Matt. 6:33) right where He has placed me. My mind is so quick to run off & attempt to plan the future and overwhelm myself with imaginary scenarios - thankful to be encouraged right where I am! (but April didn't know that I was facing a week full of tests, wondering if I had really done enough to adequately prepare myself...)
From there, April shared on what the Lord had been revealing to her during her quiet time (seeing the Lord as her friend, and also her husband - so good!)...and how God had led her to share that revelation with another lady she met who had been recently widowed. From there, April was able to help connect with this group of other widowed women from April's church, and just surround her with community. (but April didn't know that I'd been questioning when/if God would have me share the truth & revelation & wisdom that He so freely pours out on me every morning...)
Another story was about this gentleman at April's church who struggles with chronic pain, and how he had recently started a Bible study for others who deal with chronic pain. I loved her statement: "Of course we're still praying and believing that the Lord will heal him, but if the pain is still there, then God still has a purpose for it." Yes; yes He does. She also mentioned to me after that how MS could provide a similar opportunity for people. :-) Very true. (but of course, April didn't know that God knows that I know that I've been pondering how He would have me continue to reach out to MS peeps...)
Finally, as I'm walking out to my car, I realize, that I want to be a dental hygienist so I can tell people about Jesus! As April said, "I say I'm a dental hygienist, but I'm really a Christian in disguise!" She wasn't pushy or annoying or judgmental in any way - she was just doing her job, cheerfully and with excellence. (I had mentioned Passion 2012 a bit, but April didn't know that she was a living example of Louie's final talk/GOD'S purpose to simply speak up, and reach out to those that He has placed within our circle of influence - WHEREVER that may be.)
As I've processed this encounter over the past week, it occurred to me that my visit may not have been the norm. She might not have had the chance to share with someone else as extensively as she did with me. But that's ok! We're not supposed to have the exact same, rehearsed speech to share with everyone we come into contact with. 1 - how boring that would quickly become, and 2 - how narrow to think that God will only be heard if I put just the right inflection on certain words.
April left me with the perfect reminder, encouragement and challenge to wake up everyday with the expectation that God has already prepared the good works that He has for me to walk in (Eph. 2:10). For every single person that comes across my path, every single day - God allows that to happen and He has a purpose for them and for me.
But I don't need to walk around all tense and freaked out that I might 'miss God'. If I am simply in relationship with Him, trusting that as His words abide in me then I abide in Him (John 15:7), then there is NO ROOM for worry or fret within my life.
Everything
is
in
His
hands.
All of a sudden, August can't come soon enough! (next 6-month check up, you know.) I am so energized to continue following Christ, working with ALL of my heart/soul/mind/strength for Him, and not for man...though man will surely see the fruit and freedom of a life that finds all of its worth and purpose from the cross.
Colossians 1:27-29
The Message (MSG)
26-29This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
"This is not a death
This is us waking
This is a return back to life
Oh your life all I'm living for
Your life in my life oh it's life that I'm dying for"
--DC*B, "Oh, Great Love Of God" from Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])
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