"Mutual"

"Mutual"     

   

   It was a moment in time.  But it illuminated my heart like a beautiful glimmer of eternal light.

   "Thank you for being here."

   Miss Lillian spoke those words yesterday after our time at the retirement community where we conduct Sunday chapel services.  Perhaps you'd have to know Miss Lillian to understand why her expression of gratitude meant so much.  She is a sweet, sweet lady who has attended our services for the last few years.  Her health has clearly declined during that time, and I'm sure that she experiences much weakness and discomfort.  You'd never know it, however.  She never complains, always has a cheerful word, and her beautiful smile radiates genuine love and warmth.  She can't communicate a great deal, but a few words accompanied by her wonderful attitude and demeanor says much.

    Back to her expression of gratitude from yesterday.  I understand why she said what she said, and I really appreciate her appreciation.  However, as with so many people we have known through the years of our ministries, it always seems out of place to be thanked.  Over and over again, the Lord has blessed us to know folks we wouldn't have wanted to miss during our lifetime.  As I often tell people when they express gratitude, "Being with you is better than eating a piece of chocolate cake!"  That's exactly how I felt when Miss Lillian so kindly expressed her thanks.  I was clearly a recipient.

   Since we are the ones conducting the services, I suppose it appears we are on the giving side of the equation.  However, Frances and I would say that we're not sure that is the case at all.  I understand that it appears to be us, but I understand even more that it feels like them!  Maybe that's the way our Lord works as believers actually become the mutual beneficiaries of His presence and involvement.  Indeed, that must be how it works.  We all receive and experience the Lord Jesus Christ when we gather in His name and for His glory.  Thus, whatever our role may be, it will seem that we are all the beneficiaries.  Because we are…

"I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established, that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."

(Romans 1:11-12)

Weekly Memory Verse 

   For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

(Romans 5:10)