We “get to” every day!

 

Some of you might know that one of the ways I get to volunteer at my church is by greeting people each Sunday.

I stand near the curb, along with Al, Patti, and Bob, and we get to welcome everyone who is walking from the parking lot to the church campus.

We get to be “on the front lines” as I call it and we get to be the first smiling faces people see when they walk by. I consider it a privilege and an honor to get to serve as one of many greeters on our church campus. As you can imagine, I love welcoming the visitors and regular attenders, hugging the children, and peeking in the strollers at the babies.

It’s always fun to come up with an unexpected greeting, like, “Welcome! Isn’t it a beautiful day in the neighborhood!” or “We’ve been waiting for you and we’re so glad you came!” and my latest greeting is, “There’s a place inside just for you, come on in!” Hopefully someone’s spirits are lifted or it helps to put a smile on their face.

Let’s take this beyond a Sunday.

You and I get a similar opportunity every day in our marriage, with our family, friends, and even strangers! It’s not about the have to’s, there are plenty of things in life we have to do.

It’s about making the choice to change our way of thinking, and even our hearts, about what we get to do!

We get to live out Jesus in our actions and words.

We get to be a light to those who don’t know Him.

We get to love the unlovable.

We get to be patient with our children.

We get to encourage our husband.

We get to forgive someone who has hurt us.

We get to persevere in a difficult relationship.

We get to be kind to strangers.

We get to inspire those who have no hope. (Add other things you get to do….)

You and I know there are many people who walk by us at church, or on any sidewalk in our life, who are hurting with emotional or physical pain, are living with difficult circumstances beyond their control, are lost in a lonely and isolated life, and suffer silently with a broken heart, a broken past, and heartache.

I see it everywhere I go when people walk by – on their faces, in their eyes, and in their demeanor. They are, in some way, yearning for kindness, acceptance, understanding, compassion, a fresh start, a new beginning – anything that will give them hope for tomorrow. Maybe you are even one of these people.

If you are someone who is in desperate need, stop a minute. I see beyond your beautiful smile, I hear your voice of silence. I too, have felt great pain in my life and suffered silently. Let me encourage your heart. Never lose hope, dear one. Knowing Jesus as your personal Savior infuses you with an eternal sense of hopefulness. You can face tomorrow because His hope is relevant for you in all circumstances and can transform your tomorrows – and you. Simply said, In God we get to have hope. Hallelujah!

Ponder these scriptures of hope. They were chosen for you today:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Palm 31:24).

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6).

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

May these powerful words from one of my favorite songs fill your heart and soul with His hope this Easter season.

Because He lives

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives! 

 

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

Join me in celebrating our risen Lord. He died for you and I that we might have new life in Him. We are reminded of the hope that He alone brings to the world and to each of us. Never give up and never lose hope, my friends.

We get to have a new beginning because He lives!

From My Heart to yours,