Today was pretty much the last Sunday in our series, "What's Cookin'?" It was a pretty rushed sort of series, as the month itself was quite busy with all sorts of activity. We didn't really have time to do it as much justice as we typically do, and yet today's service sort of summed up a few things - the skit made a powerful statement. We were doing a message about Esther, and one of the points in the sermon Daddy developed was simply this: we are blessed to be a blessing. Esther wasn't made queen to have a good time as a royal, she was made queen for such a time as this.
So, with that thinking - and the backdrop of a restaurant just after Thanksgiving with our set - we conspired to do a drama where a needy person shows up. Characters are forced to make a decision: go have fun doing the Christmas things they want to, or go help the people in need. We used a new actor for the part of the guy in need, so it all seemed pretty genuine. The regularly vocal audience was still and quiet, and the point was made very nicely. We were pretty pleased.
The point of mentioning this here is this: we recognize how incredibly blessed we are. This year, we've got plenty on the calendar leading into Christmas - including a great deal of service with the church. This week coming up will be a tremendous labor for Zena, as there are many costumes involved in the main production of the church. But, we still would like Madison to experience that other side of Christmas, the part where we show God's love to those who are less fortunate.
The Salvation Army has it's soldiers out in front of the malls and stores, ringing bells where they are allowed. Each time we try to get something to Madison to put into the can. Today, she gave a dollar that Mommy handed her. The gentleman ringing the bell stopped and smiled at Madison, thanking her deeply. It was a nice moment - Madison knows about giving: she searches for offering money each Sunday morning before church. But there's other things to give than money, of course. In fact, the most valuable thing of all is her time.
Earlier, she helped stuff stockings for Metro Ministries - and of course she helps at the church all the time, putting things in chairs and so forth. But we're looking for further opportunities this year, perhaps with the food ministry or elsewhere. As she gets older, it's important to see that side of Christmas, where we show love to others, even the ones we don't know very well.
So, with that thinking - and the backdrop of a restaurant just after Thanksgiving with our set - we conspired to do a drama where a needy person shows up. Characters are forced to make a decision: go have fun doing the Christmas things they want to, or go help the people in need. We used a new actor for the part of the guy in need, so it all seemed pretty genuine. The regularly vocal audience was still and quiet, and the point was made very nicely. We were pretty pleased.
The point of mentioning this here is this: we recognize how incredibly blessed we are. This year, we've got plenty on the calendar leading into Christmas - including a great deal of service with the church. This week coming up will be a tremendous labor for Zena, as there are many costumes involved in the main production of the church. But, we still would like Madison to experience that other side of Christmas, the part where we show God's love to those who are less fortunate.
The Salvation Army has it's soldiers out in front of the malls and stores, ringing bells where they are allowed. Each time we try to get something to Madison to put into the can. Today, she gave a dollar that Mommy handed her. The gentleman ringing the bell stopped and smiled at Madison, thanking her deeply. It was a nice moment - Madison knows about giving: she searches for offering money each Sunday morning before church. But there's other things to give than money, of course. In fact, the most valuable thing of all is her time.
Earlier, she helped stuff stockings for Metro Ministries - and of course she helps at the church all the time, putting things in chairs and so forth. But we're looking for further opportunities this year, perhaps with the food ministry or elsewhere. As she gets older, it's important to see that side of Christmas, where we show love to others, even the ones we don't know very well.
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