Dear Friends,
I would like to share two stories as a gift of encouragement for your holiday season.
Story One: In the Book of Acts, Luke tells of the instructions that the disciples were given by Jesus in the days immediately following His death. In verse 1:8, he shares that the Lord asked each of us to go to all the ends of the earth to spread the good word. The obedient disciples head of in all directions. Paul, in particular, heads north, about 600 miles to the region of Galatia. And there he shares the message of love and hope. Some people get it and others - not so much. How do we know this? Well, later on we read in Paul's letter to the Galatians that he says something to the effect, hey, good job some of you but, I hear tell that some things still need adjustment. From this narrative we can simply conclude that some got it but others - not so much.
Story Two: If Luke were giving his testimony today in say, Washington, DC, we would hear his colleague Paul say - I'm heading north about 600 miles to Toronto, I like the cold and I like the Leafs. Once there, he would take in the sights and he would spread the word, the good news. And in his follow up letter to the Torontonians he would say; "hey, loved the place and some of you got it but some - not so much."
Now what is this "IT" that Paul is talking about? And, who are those that got "IT?"
Before I get to the "IT," close your eyes and envision those who work around you at MHI. And as I recite the elements of the "IT," slowly wrap each of your co-workers in the warmth of these words.
Paul says that the "IT" is ...the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We should all be blessed and encouraged daily by the fact that we are surrounded by those who get "IT."
MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Dave
