Awhile back, I found myself living life in overdrive-the kind of busy where the car flies down the highway thirty miles above the speed limit, completely out of control.
Maxed out, I burned the candle on both ends as well as in the middle.
My relationships suffered, especially my intimacy with God.
Sick of consuming prepackaged food, I carved some time out of an already stuffed schedule to buy fresh provisions. I scouted out the shortest checkout line at the store and rushed my grocery cart to the car. While transferring the groceries to the car, a crystal-clear thought overwhelmed my mind:
I miss you.
God had spoken. No question. No doubt. A sudden sense of remorse flooded through me.
How could I have gotten so busy as to ignore the One who desires a relationship with me above all else?
My eyes welled up and my soul softened as I finished putting away the groceries. I prayed a quiet but heartfelt, I’m sorry, and I miss you too.
Those of you reading along in The Organic God Summer Book Club and Bible Study probably already know this experience was one of the most tender interactions with God I have ever had. I was deeply moved, not because God’s words made me feel shame or guilt, but because they were bathed in his kindness.
In a story tucked in 2 Samuel 9, King David extends the kindness of God to another. David’s determined to show kindness in honor of his friend Jonathan. After taking over the throne, the last thing Jonathan’s family would expect from the new king is kindness.
But still David searches for a remaining relative, and Mephibosheth–a man crippled in both feet-is recognized as the last living son of Jonathan. David invites him to the royal palace. Mephibosheth awaits an execution being the grandson of the previous king.
Instead, David offers Mephibosheth property, wealth, honor and respect. Where cruelty is expected, compassion is extended. David goes above and beyond to extend God’s hesed or loving kindness to Mephibosheth.
Just as God bathes us in his kindness, we are encouraged to spread that kindness to others. God doesn’t just want us to know that he is kind but to experience his kindness and then reflect it to others.
How has God revealed his kindness to you this week?
Close your eyes for a moment and think about some of the people in your life. With whom is God asking you to share his kindness?
became ill for 6 months almost 2 years ago. Through that experience I now have a sense of compassion for those who have chronic illnesses. I would have never had that compassion without “been there, done that”.
Here in America most of us do not understand true poverty. It is here in America but most of us with what we have don’t associate in the areas it exist. We are so overfed we can not relate. I have been blessed by serving the poor through a mission 20 minutes from my house. Sadly most of my friends in the church have never even been there. My serving in other countries I have seen true poverty and it has changed my life.
Please ask God if there is a single divorced mom whom you can help. I am starting to make a little extra dinner once a week to bring to a mom who although hasn’t made the smartest choices, through this chapter I see that her children do not have a voice to speak for themselves and are defenseless. pg 147
I can help by just doubling the recipe of chili. What can you do..?
This story is one of my favorites in the Bible and yours touched my heart today. The heart cracks open in the reception of what it doesn’t deserve. Thankfully, I have been the recipient of some this in the unexpected encouragement from others this week. I’m meeting with someone this week and hope to be that for her as well. Enjoyed this reflection Margaret.
Beth, I’m sorry you had to go through such an illness, but I’m glad you are able to look back on it and see how God was working through it. I loved how you mentioned doubling a chili recipe–sometimes showing compassion means traveling across the world, but other times it can be as simple as doubling dinner. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Shelly,
I love the story of David and Mephibosheth. We are so undeserving of God’s grace and love, yet he still chooses to invite us to his banquet table. Thank goodness for his stubborn, relentless love. Praying for you as you meet with your friend. May God give you the words and grace to speak into her life. Hug to you. M
the pain God allows so that we will remember Him.
This devotion echoed Grace to me. It’s the same grace God extends to me each and every day along with mercies that are new each morning. Oh what a Savior!
I too have heard God say I miss you. He didn’t move I did. I got busy and went into overdrive and got my priorities all out of order. However, I’m getting back on track.
Thank you Lord for your kindness and thank you Lord for Margaret’s obedience to write Wonder Struck. I will never be the same again.
Big hugs for you today Margaret. I’m praying for you!
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