Pack up your tool box - it's time to go outside!

Daily Reading: Titus 1, 2, 3; Proverbs 15

Titus 3:14 (NIV)

14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Good morning!

Yesterday was a cold and nasty day to be outside installing water and electrical lines. I watched as fourteen willing volunteers waded through the mud and rain to continue the construction of the new Habitat home in Wentzville. I have no earthly idea how to install electrical or plumbing lines. My father was very talented with projects just like this. The cold never seemed to bother him. He would have loved helping build a Habitat home.

He was a hands-on kind of guy. Dad carried a tool box wherever he went, just in case there might be something that needed to be fixed. Dad was in charge of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s Christmas tree lot every year. He spent every evening and weekend at that tree lot, helping to sell Christmas trees and garland decorations for our church. Dad loved spending time outside. Lots of memories flooded my mind as I watched the building crew work. I’m no good with a hammer or wrench, but if you give me a pot and a spoon, I actually know how to use these tools to others’ benefit. I made a big pot of chili and brewed fresh coffee, and we took it to the workers. I knew they would be hungry. They were. The chili was pretty good, but I imagine anything hot would have tasted great to these volunteers. They were literally caked in mud, freezing from the rain and wind, and looked visibly tired. I pray they were all able to go home and take a nice hot shower, and make time for rest. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of love prompts someone to go out in the freezing weather and volunteer their time to build a warm space where another family can live?

Paul wrote to Titus, instructing his beloved brother how to go about building up the body of believers in Crete. There was a lot of work to do there. Whenever we choose to give ourselves over for the sake of helping another human being, our efforts will not be in vain. One good way to reach people with the Gospel is simply by risking our own personal comfort to reach out in mission and service whenever we can. My Dad was smart to pack his tool box and carry it with him at all times. We too, should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice, even when the weather is nasty.

Our lives will never be unproductive when we choose to love your neighbors as ourselves. I would encourage you to look for ways during this season of Advent preparation to give a little of your time and energy away to benefit someone else. It’s a big job, spreading the Gospel message all over the world. If each of us commits to taking hold of one need and following through, we can build up the body of Christ together. Be sure to pack your tool box! It’s time to go outside.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a productive life! We have so much to offer each other. Our gifts are different. It is our love for Jesus Christ that calls us to serve each other. We have the capacity to do good things, providing the necessities of life for someone today. What kind of love does it take to break a heart of stone and transform it into a heart of compassion?

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

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