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Dear Believers,
God bless you in the wonderful name
of Jesus Christ our living lord and savior.
For the letter this month John asked
me to insert the “Sound Out” section from the
last Internet Newsletter. For almost a year now we have
been sending out a weekly newsletter to anyone interested.
They include a short sharing (usually from the Word),
upcoming events, something funny, and a poem. Sometimes
we also include a URL of a favorite website or song lyrics,
if you would like to receive them, you may sign up at
the following URL: [http://www.cffm.org/doc/i_newsletter.shtml].
Here’s the one from last week, entitled “Have
At It.”
I love Stephen Curtis Chapman’s
song “Dive.” Much to the dismay of John and
Nancy and anyone else who happens to be there, whenever
the chorus comes around, I usually join in (never quietly).
“So sink or swim, I’m diving in!” That
has been like a personal battle cry recently. I don’t
know how I get involved in so many projects, but I just
jump in. It doesn’t much matter how much experience
I have with it, I just have at it. Sometimes I’m
more successful than others (as many of you who have heard
the Taming the Tongue SMF tape can testify.), but I refuse
to lose because I don’t try.
You probably can picture a parent standing
in a pool encouraging their child to jump in to them.
It’s not always easy for the child the first time.
The child wants to take the leap. He’s seen others
do it, but he is not quite sure. After a jump or two the
hesitation usually disappears, and the child enjoys it.
The encouragement from a trusted parent is so important
in the initial leap.
I’m too old to act like that child
anymore. I refuse to let fear keep me from trying things
that may be a blessing to myself and others. Whether it
is a different teaching technique, a irreligious sounding
song, a computer enhancement, or just an unusual mannerism,
I refuse to be afraid to try it. I love to see others
do the same, too. When I know someone is stepping out
and trying something for the first time I do my best to
encourage them and give them honest feedback.
Sara has had her driving permit for
about three months, and she is doing very well. She likes
being told she is doing a good job, and she asks a lot
of questions. When new situations arise (like yesterday
when entering an Interstate Highway in the midst of a
construction zone), I usually prepare her with: this is
what you are going to find and this is how you handle
it. She did fine, and was “hyped” to have been
successful at it. She enjoys new situations and new challenges,
and I enjoy her enthusiasm. It reminds me of my first
days behind the wheel and makes me so thankful to be a
part of this learning time with her.
It has also brought back the joy of
driving for me. Riding with her yesterday with the windows
down and the sunroof open cruising down the road in 80
degree weather made me very thankful. The hour round trip
to the mall was the most enjoyable trip I’ve made
in recent memory. Driving had become so “old hat,”
and she has made it fun for me again.
I thought about how similar it is in
the spiritual realm. Sharing God’s Word with people
who are trying something for the first time is so exhilarating.
Their questions and excitement are invigorating. It is
hard to tell who is the most blessed. God has made this
ministry of reconciliation a truly valuable thing. Not
only does it bring new believers into the family, but
it keeps those in the family thankful and appreciative
for all they have. Seeing the simplest things fill people’s
eyes with wonder and amazement, does as much or more for
them who speak as for those who hear.
Want a spiritual “pick-me-up?”
Try sharing you faith with someone new. Remember the words
of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
You’re God’s best and I love
you,
Wayne
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