Read
One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers thrown all around the front yard. The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house. Proceeding into the entry, he found even a bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was littered with toys and various clothing items. In the kitchen the dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over the toys and more clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, “What happened here today?” She again smiled and answered, “You know everday when you come home from work and ask me what in the world I did today?” “Yes,” was his incredulous reply. “Well, today,” she said, “I didn’t do it.”1
Reflect
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 NIV)
1 Thess. 5:11—“Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
Respond
We all need affirmation. How has the Lord affirmed and encouraged you in your ministry position this past week? How have you affirmed and encouraged others? Do you feel like anything is lacking right now in your relationship with God? In your ministry to others? How would you like for someone right now to encourage or affirm you?
Your thoughts?
Remember
“Definition of an arch: Two weaknesses leaning against each other to make a strength.” —Leonardo Da Vinci2
1A Children’s Leader Devotion, (Lake Forest, CA: Saddleback Church), Week 10.
2Quote taken from Saddleback Community Church’s Children’s Ministry Values.