Sometimes I wonder about people.
Right now in the news is arguments over what is terror,
peaceful or violent, alt-right, alt-left, ant-this and anti-that, fascist,
racist, demonetization of those and tear down that. . .
How is God going to work ALL OF THIS to the good of those who love him? How is God going to receive glory from idiots on all sides
And I wonder, can God really use anyone?
This was my thoughts today as I approached the librarian's desk. A lady walked up to me,
arm outstretched from a long ways off, handed me a book marker. She was dressed simple and plain. She had three books in her arm. Her hair was shoulder length and curly. Nothing at all to draw attention or make her stand out. She looked like a regular book worm.
I was focused
on my mission so I asked, without really looking, "What's this?"
She said, "I have a coloring ministry".
My first thought was, "that's not a real ministry
listed in any of the apostolic letters. Paul didn't discuss this with
Timothy and Jesus didn't mention anything about crayons in the Great Commission."
So slightly taken aback I ask, "Wait, what do you do?"
Very softly, because she obviously greatly respects the
mood and ambiance required of a library, told me she colors the bookmarks and
prays for the person who will receive it.
She spoke in a fast whisper, but with confidence.
I looked up and the lady was already at the door telling the next lady coming in she left some bookmarks on the counter.
Huh?!?!
There was no Gospel presentation.
No theological support for what she does.
No church name or phone number.
No assumption of salvation or sinfulness.
Just doing what God has revealed she can do with her particular gifts and means.
I wonder about people.
I wonder what is it that makes this lady Love so much to take the time to make gifts and pray for strangers.
I wonder if the lady behind me picked up a small blessing in the form of a bookmark, or did she hurry on and miss it?
I wonder how many people have been blessed by this little prayer warrior?
I wonder how many people have been blessed by books turned back in with the colored proclamation of the love of God dangling in front of them?
Thankfully, amidst the chaos and arguing I didn't miss it. Since then, my thoughts have changed from hate and anger to love and serving. From fear and frustration to the beauty of the Gospel presented in its various forms and "ministries".
The
scripture, "Thanks be to God for His Indescribable gift."
That indescribable gift was Gloriously displayed in
the ministry of a colored bookmark.
Thank you for your prayers and gift.
AND on a practical note, I actually needed one.
