Out of the darkest night, shines the brightest light

I am not sure how to put my thoughts into words...which for those of you who know me may find surprising.

First, those that treat you the way God says they should, they usually stand out. Most people probably don't. Kind of like good customer service at a store. It is so rare, that when it happens, you notice and tell others.

I had something happen to me/my family that I thought was not right. It made me feel like my family was not shown the proper courtesy that I had bestowed upon the offenders. I prayed that I could forgive them, and for God to help me with it...and He will. That's not the point. The point is that people came to mind that DID make my family feel loved and accepted, warts and all...with no judgment and condemnation. They really shone thru.

I called one of those families to tell them about it. The mom told me she appreciated hearing that. You like to know if you are doing something right.

So, this was one big thing. The other was this: last week was Encouragement Week. So, I chose 2 (of the many) of my friends who had been a blessing to me, and I wrote them a card and told them so. I am so blessed to have several true friends, it was hard to choose. One of them called me later to thank me. The other sent me an email, and told me what a blessing I had been to her.

Here is what got me. I hope you are sitting down for this one. She said when someone has been a real blessing to you, then you understand what it means for them to say you are a blessing to them. Now, stop and think about that one. She said my life has been a witness to her in ways I could never imagine. (didn't I begin by blessing her?) By now, tears are coming down my face as I realize she is right. If you have ever been in need, and someone was a blessing to you, it does take on a new meaning when another says you are a blessing to them.

So I have been humbled in many ways, and reminded that even Christians can treat you unjustly...but you still have to forgive. God calls us to be the example whether we feel like it or not.

Go be a blessing to someone for no reason at all. Think about that.....