Have you ever noticed how people’s true colors come out when faced with challenges and changed plans?
This morning, I got up early to head to the airport to catch the first flight out to Dallas in order to be at a meeting. We boarded the plane and got settled, only to find out that the plane had mechanical difficulties. After 30 minutes or so, we were asked to exit the plane and we would be scheduled for another flight.
It took seconds for the line to build through the gate area as people waited to see the gate agent in order to be rebooked on another flight. All of the sudden, all the moderately mild-mannered passengers became frustrated children – cutting in line, complaining and throwing tantrums.
Now I have to admit – I was frustrated. Why the plane sat all night at the gate but now at 6:30 am, it is just now discovered that major mechanical difficulties must ground the plane seems a mystery to me. But none the less, the alternative of going ahead with the flight with a plane with mechanical problems would not be a good option.
So the plans for each passenger were altered and some reacted more childishly than others. As I stood in line, feeling my frustration rise – less and less with the inconvenience but more and more with the people acting silly – I realized, this would be an opportunity to show Jesus.
When you are faced with challenges – most likely today – remember that it is in the midst of a storm that our true colors show. And don’t think for a second that others will not take notice.
Show the world Jesus today!
This Christmas, what gift will you bring to the manger? What can you possibly offer to the Savior of the world? Is there anything of value you can give?
This would not have been a great assignment for an angel except for one thing – the message they were sent to deliver. Gabriel and others were tasked with making their way to earth to let people know the very son of the one, true God was to be born – the savior of the world was on his way!
The purpose of the email was to tell him how much he means to me and to thank him for the impact he has made in my life. I remember sending the email but I had to go back and dig up the email to remember what I had said. In that email I shared with him that I had had lunch with a wonderful man earlier that day who made the statement that he was tired of learning about people at their funerals and we all need to do a better job of appreciating people while they are still with us. I was so touched by his words that day that I was inspired to reach out to a number of people who have poured into me over the years.
But Peter finally recognized Jesus. Still a little unsure of himself he said, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come out on the water.” That makes sense. Peter is trying to make sure that he is right – that this really is Jesus. But I am not sure he expected Jesus to say, “Come.”
We talk a lot about praising God. In any given church around the world on the weekends, you most likely will encounter an effort to praise God.
time taking in the grandeur of God’s creation.
Clay in the Hands 