Outstanding in YOUR Field
Sunflowers have been extraordinarily beautiful and abundant this year. As I drove to my friend Dave’s house, I had to pull over alongside the road and take this first picture. That one sunflower, towering far above the rest, made me think about the second picture, also taken with Dave, shot at a state fair. The caption “Outstanding In Their Field” always makes me smile, just as did that sunflower!
It’s been quite a year. One that has made many not feel so outstanding in their field. or in their life. So much has gone on that has not been uplifting, encouraging, or positive. Many people wish that 2020 would be done with already, and that surely 2021 has to be better.
Maybe we need to reframe 2020 into a more positive year. What has gone well? Where have you seen God working for the good of people? for you? No matter what the year has held so far, we can be sure of one thing: all our lives do matter. Every day we affect people and situations just by our presence, by being there at that moment. Know that the world is immeasurably better just because you are part of it
Outstanding things have been done through Messiah folks every day and some were highlighted for “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Service Bingo. Meals were made and delivered to others who were alone. Muffins baked and taken to a dear friend. Mail Carriers received letters of thanks and little gifts of appreciation. The blessing box was stocked several times. A mom and her daughters gave clothing to those in need. Food pantry volunteers gave out boxes and boxes of food. Friendship Bible Study volunteers had a socially distanced picnic for the students. Sisters took green peppers they grew in their garden to neighbors. A middle school youth made a pie for her friend. Cookies were baked from scratch and delivered. Flags were waved to remember 9/11. Cards of encouragement were sent to some beautiful souls. The list goes on and on and the lovely service projects likely will not end with “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day.
Those acts are outstanding. The people doing them are outstanding. You are outstanding. Not because of what any of us have done, but because of what God has done in loving all people unconditionally. So keep it up. Keep your spirits up. Know that you are an outstanding child of God each time you look at a sunflower, lend a helping hand, or gaze in the mirror. God loves you and so do I!
The Bible tells us in I Corinthians 15:58: "So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.“
