There Is More Going on than Meets the Eye
Today, On this “Giving Tuesday,” I invite you to please remember Dial Hope. There is a link on our Daily Email and on our website, www.dialhope.org
Also, let me say thank you to those of you who regularly support Dial Hope financially. We could not offer this ministry without you!
Father Barry Foster, a priest in Dublin, Ireland, parked his car on a rather steep slope close to his church. His little cairn terrier was lying on the rear seat and could not be seen by anyone outside the vehicle. Father Foster got out of the car and turned to lock the door with his usual parting command to the dog. “Stay!” he ordered loudly, to an apparently empty car. “Stay!” An elderly man was watching the performance with amused interest. Grinning, he suggested, “Why don’t you just try putting on the emergency brake?”
This story is funny! It reminds me that in life, we don’t always see the full picture.
This also applies to the life of faith. When we notice the tremendous need in the world around us we may wonder what difference it would make to bring cans of food to the soup kitchen, volunteer for half a day at Habitat, or write a small check to a ministry. On the surface our actions may very well look futile; like someone commanding their car to “Stay Put” on a steep slope! But there is more going on than meets the eye. God is at work. And small actions add up to big changes.
Take for example Habitat for Humanity. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has helped more than 13 million people break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives. Wow! Then, think about the difference that giving has made to all the volunteers along the way.
The effects of giving are truly exponential. There is indeed more going on than meets the eye. Thanks be to God!
Let us pray: Gracious and Loving God, we know that with you all things are possible. When we get anxious or worried or cynical, remind us that there is more to life than what we can see. Continue to come into our lives in new and surprising ways. Comfort us where we need to be comforted and challenge us where we need to be challenged. Use even our small acts of love and generosity to make this world a better place – always for your glory. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
