One of the things I love about Christmas time is what it does to children. OK, I don’t love the never ending lists, or the risk of materialism. I do love the sense of anticipation they have.
One of our (many) Christmas decorations is a count down Santa deal. You change the numbered blocks with each passing day. My kids are older, but they still want to be the one to change the number of days left. They don’t really expect to get everything they ask for, they never do. They just really love the traditions of family time at Christmas. The egg nog french toast, passing out gifts, the trip to Granny’s; all are a part of the wonder.
Isn’t that just like Jesus! He even gives us His birthday. People from almost every walk of life celebrate. They try to be giving. They try to help others. They spend time with family. Even if they don’t realize it, Christmas motivates people to behave differently. Curiously, we look a little more like Jesus.
Many of my MCC friends have by now heard that Loretta Blackwell has passed from this life into the place Jesus has prepared for her. To say she was a wonderful person would be an understatement. I only knew her for about nine years. Her and Elmer introduced themselves when Kim and I had come up to visit the Brownings less than a year before I came on staff here. They were more than friendly faces and a firm hand shake. Something about them made me feel like they were interested in me; that they cared.
In May of 2000, my family moved to the ‘burg and began serving. During that first week, a disk in my back ruptured and I had to have surgery. My seven day hospital stay helped me get aquainted with Elmer and Loretta. They saw me almost every day. Elmer with his stories and jokes, Loretta with her kind words and comforting presence.
I quickly learned that I didn’t get special treatment from the Blackwells. Coming, caring and comforting was simply who they were. They have changed the flavor of MCC. Their faith in action approach to Christ following has rubbed off on others. I knew I would have to leave early if I was going to beat them to a hospital visit. They knew it was important to show people that they matter to God.
They painted a clear picture of a loving couple too. You could see that from the way they treated each other they were as much in love as ever. The way one would speak about the other was an indicator of the value they placed upon their marriage. Always together.
I wonder if they realized what they were doing? Did they know they were accomplishing much more than the work at hand. They were mapping an easy to follow pattern for those behind to follow. Well done Loretta. I’m sure you have heard those words from Jesus too. Well done!
Several years ago, I was at a conference where the speaker talked about his top 10 list. No it wasn’t a Letterman looking comedy line. He told the group about ten people that he was making an extra effort to reach for Christ. It didn’t mean that other people didn’t matter. It meant that ten people on his list became targets!
I am talking about intentional discipleship. What if you were to come up with a list. How do you create a list. Who is on and who doesn’t make the cut! First, remember the difference is NOT caring and not caring. Take a look at who crosses your path often. Neighbors around you that are not connected to Jesus. Family who are watching your life. Make a list, then pray.
Trust those gentle promptings and whitle it down to ten. Now it’s time to make a plan. These folks are around you already. The list just means you are going to look for opportunities and be ready to take advantage of them. It means you are going to “make” opportunities to develop a relationship. You will find that when you are with someone on your Top 10 list, you are paying attention to your words, your witness.
Go be a difference maker. Do it on purpose. Number 10____________________