[Part 3 of my Ministry Is:______ series]
There are times on the Race when there is nothing better than a sweet treat. Something about sugary, chocolaty, bad-for-you goodness makes a girl feel comforted and at home, I guess. One day I had a particularly acute craving for cookies. I stopped in a little store to purchase my treat-yo-self item: Digestive Cookies. They may sound like the last cookies in the world you would want to eat, but believe me, they are delicious, and I had every intention of consuming the entire box myself.
Spirits high, cookies in hand, I took off down the scenic Lakeside path to our guesthouse.
After walking a little ways I looked upon a familiar face. Our friend, Nisa, who we met earlier this month, was in her usual spot selling handicrafts. Her face lit up as she saw me approaching, and I was excited to see her again as well! We talked for a little while and as I left I gave her some of my cookies and bid her farewell.
I continued on a little ways only to see another familiar face. This time it was the face of a man who often sat on the side of the road begging. He saw my box of cookies and asked if he could have some. Without hesitation I shared, but as I walked away I felt guilty. Why didn’t I give him the rest of the box? I don’t need these cookies. I should have been more generous.
These thoughts plagued me with each step I took to carry me home. Lost in my contemplations, it took me a moment to realize I was being addressed – a pair of men on the side of the road were attempting to get my attention. I soon realized they were construction workers asking if they could have the cookies I was clasping in my hands. They had been working all day without eating, saw I had some food, and wondered if I wouldn’t mind sharing. I handed them the rest of the box, wished them a blessed day, and thanked God for another opportunity to give.
I returned home, hands devoid of cookies, but head full of thankfulness.
I’m thankful to serve a God that gives us creative opportunities to love. I’m thankful He was first generous to us so we can be generous to others. I’m thankful for another chance to minister when I felt like one opportunity was missed.
Ministry this month is simple:
Be generous with what you love.
Have your eyes open.
Use cookies to minister to others.
