January 28
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, Colossians 4:8
In every family, in every group of friends, in every neighborhood, there they are. Standing apart from the rest of us, they stand like stately trees with branches spread wide, their arms ready to enfold with their nurturing strength the ones needing their shelter and comfort. Like the whispering of the leaves as the breeze flows through, their words gently go forth to their intended place. Somehow they seem to know and where someone is in need of help and can always be counted on to offer their assistance. As they reach out to us, their words offer encouragement and produce a sense of courage in the face of unexpected problems; all the while their quiet presence offers a soothing security. They are the ones too, who will carry the knowledge of circumstance to exactly the right people, whose works and prayers will complete the circle.
These are not people who thrive on gossip, they are not storytellers; rather they are persons who constantly gift others with their nurturing spirit. More often than not their works are unknown except to those involved. We all need someone like this at one time or another, for there are times it may be difficult for us to share our burdens, perhaps pride or despair inhibits us. What a blessing to have such people in our lives, people who can read between the lines and carry the needs of our hearts to those who can help us. They open the way for healing with their love and support. They open the way for solutions to problems with their ability to help us in our search for knowledge and understanding. They open the way for us to continue with determination by witnessing their faith. Their presence in our lives is truly a treasured gift from God.
God of all creation, we thank you for the nurturers in the circle of our families and friends – people who in all circumstance lift us up.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, Colossians 4:8
In every family, in every group of friends, in every neighborhood, there they are. Standing apart from the rest of us, they stand like stately trees with branches spread wide, their arms ready to enfold with their nurturing strength the ones needing their shelter and comfort. Like the whispering of the leaves as the breeze flows through, their words gently go forth to their intended place. Somehow they seem to know and where someone is in need of help and can always be counted on to offer their assistance. As they reach out to us, their words offer encouragement and produce a sense of courage in the face of unexpected problems; all the while their quiet presence offers a soothing security. They are the ones too, who will carry the knowledge of circumstance to exactly the right people, whose works and prayers will complete the circle.
These are not people who thrive on gossip, they are not storytellers; rather they are persons who constantly gift others with their nurturing spirit. More often than not their works are unknown except to those involved. We all need someone like this at one time or another, for there are times it may be difficult for us to share our burdens, perhaps pride or despair inhibits us. What a blessing to have such people in our lives, people who can read between the lines and carry the needs of our hearts to those who can help us. They open the way for healing with their love and support. They open the way for solutions to problems with their ability to help us in our search for knowledge and understanding. They open the way for us to continue with determination by witnessing their faith. Their presence in our lives is truly a treasured gift from God.
God of all creation, we thank you for the nurturers in the circle of our families and friends – people who in all circumstance lift us up.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson