Friday, August 6, 2010

For God--Blesses Me

FOR GOD—BLESSES ME
1Corinthians 3:16
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”

Marshall showed Greg and Timmy a couple new ways to go off the high diving board (See Tongue-Words-Heart devotion). They especially loved the way the cannon ball splashed water so far—that even the people lying on their towels got wet. The pike was a way for Marshall to get them closer to diving off the high board.

“Why are you so good to us, Marshall?” Greg asked.

Marshall sucked on his grape popsicle, then answered, “Uh, I remember moving to Tucson. It took me years to fit in. That’s why Dad got me diving lessons.”

“I didn’t make you feel very welcome when we first met.” Greg admitted.

“I wasn’t too interested in being your friend, either” Timmy confessed.

“The reverse dive gave me great confidence. That comes in handy when meeting new people…and coming from Tijuana, Mexico, we’re always falsely accused of being illegal immigrants.”

“Yeah, your people are having a hard time in America” Tim said.

“Especially in Arizona!” Marshall declared loudly. The guys all exchanged knowing smiles.
“Why did you move to North Carolina? Greg asked.

“My Mom got an offer as head housekeeper at the Sheraton. Dad got a good job right away, too. And they love it that we attend a magnet school.”

“You’re so happy all the time. How come?” Timmy wondered.

“Mom tells us that she always has to do jobs that are disgusting in the hotel. People puke all over the john. Some trash rooms. Others insist on having fresh blankets and bed spreads just for one night’s stay. She taught my sister and I to live as though everything you do (and say) is for God, Himself. When I do this, God blesses me with happiness.”

“Oh…Attitude IS everything!” Greg whispered.

“Mom tells us all the time: ‘Duty done as drudgery is a chore, but duty performed in love is a delight.’”

Take Home Nugget

Brother Lawrence, a cook in 17th century monastery, mentioned in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God to “offer God our heart from time to time in the course of the day.” His message is the same as Marshall’s Mom’s”: The depth of one’s spirituality does not change the things you do, but it does change your motive. When God’s in your view, the task before you becomes a blessing, an offering to the Lord.

Timmy threw his arm around Marshall’s shoulder, and promised, “We’ll be your big brothers at school, little buddy.”
With reverence, follow the example
Of Him who showed us an attitude:
Where everyone sees in us the Father’s temple,
Serving with psalms of gratitude.

J.D. Griffith
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