OK, although I’m not a Jesus authority of any kind, I find that I often get God messages from unexpected sources. Last weekend I was packing to head to Boston for a funeral. My nephews’ uncle had passed. They were very close to him, and I was more like their older brother than their uncle. I knew I had to be there.
With a ton of work to do and another trip to South Carolina at the end of the week, my schedule was tight. I was planning on going to the wake and coming right back. As I was online buying tickets and doing last minute packing for a trip that day, CNN was on TV in the background. They were airing a special on Jesus.
The voice-over said something that cracked through the air as if it were just for me. I heard, “Most of the apostles were not at the crucifixion, but Mary Magdalene did the ministry of being there.” Wow. It struck me like a slap across the face. Sometimes when there is nothing you can do to ease the pain, there is a ministry of being there.
Within moments I changed my search to find a flight to stay for an extra day and be with my nephews, sister, and parents at the funeral. I had never considered being there as a ministry, but somehow it felt right and made sense. It felt very loving and Godly to me.
If you ever went to a child’s sports game or school play, I think you were doing a loving ministry of being there. They notice. They feel the love even if they tell you they don’t care. They do. As we get older, it doesn’t change even though we may be a little more understanding when someone cannot be there. Support and love are still needed. Being there is still noticed and appreciated.
I’m so glad I heard that message before I booked my flight. I knew I was supposed to be there for the wake and the funeral despite two back-to-back cross-country trips and teaching a live, 3-day Master Workshop in between the two trips. Life is short. Work will always be there. There will never be enough time to do everything. I’m just reminding you as I remind myself. Being there is a ministry of love.
Is there someone or some event coming up for which you need to be there? Is there someone in your life who was there for you at some important occasion? Have you thanked them? Even if you already did, it may just melt their heart if you thank them again. Let them know that their ministry of being there for you mattered.
Thank you, God for Grace, Truth, Love, and Laughter,
Darren
(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along with my journey to having a closer relationship to God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read The Bible.)
What church do I attend? Verve Church in Las Vegas
http://vivalaverve.org
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
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https://darrenlacroix.com/category/godblog/