October 9, 2007
Today is garbage day. Last night, I rolled the trash bin and put it out on the curbside along with those of my neighbors.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that garbage day is pretty unremarkable, mundane stuff. It is something that happens once a week, year in and year out. Occasionally it gets a little more exciting if I forgot the night before and have to rush to get the bags to the curb before the truck leaves.
It's no different than a thousand other mundane tasks we all have to do in life. Buy the groceries, do the laundry, put gas in the car, clean the house, eat, work, sleep.
In the midst of what can easily become mind numbing routine, we often forget that one of God's favorite places to meet us is in the midst of the ordinary.
God isn't just some distant, impersonal god. He isn't just some strange cosmic force. He isn't just interested in the big events of life. Nothing in our lives is there by accident. It is all God ordained or allowed by God for a reason.
One of the best places to see God in the midst of our daily grind is in the lives of those around us. We can have when an impact when we allow God to work through us in their lives and it can be incredible to see.
Look at the people around you. If you stop and look, you might be amazed at the number of people you encounter during the day. We're surrounded by people that we don't even see or that we take for granted.
How many of them need an encouraging word from you? You could create an entire ministry by just stopping and listening to the people God puts in your path. No one is ever put in our path by accident. The cashier at the grocery store made need a word of encouragement. The co-worker who makes you upset may have been put there by God to soften your heart, and teach you how to love people
Maybe my neighbor needs a hello as he puts the garbage out.
Perhaps my wife and friends need to be shown today just how much I love them. My love might help them see His love for them.
The light in our lives should be the encounter with God that others have in their ordinary lives. Christianity is a frontline faith. It's seen in the trenches of daily life, not just in moments of greatness or on a Sunday morning.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
Our God is an amazing God, and one of the most amazing things about Him is that when we bless others in His name, we're often blessed by seeing His hand at work.
If you want to encounter an extraordinary God in ordinary life, take a moment or two out of the daily grind and bless those around you. The experience will give you new eyes to see God through.
Until next time, share the love of Jesus by taking the time to listen to someone today. Share a smile. Give an encouraging word. Give something to someone in need. Be the salt and the light He's called you to be and watch the amazing places you encounter Him.
If you're the one in need of a smile or encouragement then I pass this on to you!
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you.
Darrel Mason