Blessings In Boise

The Lord is faithful…2 Thessalonians 3:3

God is so fancy!  I’m typing from the Boise airport looking out at the gorgeous mountains.  They fascinate me; I guess that is to be expected from a Kansas girl!  I’m enjoying this amazing backdrop before I hop a flight and head home.  This amazing view is like the exclamation point to end a fabulous  weekend spent with the Diocese of Boise Deacons and  their wives.  

This weekend I met some amazing disciples! I was touched right to my soul with their honesty, their dedication and their openness.  I heard these beautiful servants tell stories of their passion for the homeless, the sick, the broken and the joyful.  I was inspired by their selflessness and their humility.  God invited me here this weekend to give, but my eyes are leaking as I reflect back on all I received from these incredible people!  The plane will carry my bags, but my heart will carry the truly precious cargo.

As I head home my heart carries HOPE!  My heart carries JOY!  My  heart carries FAITH!  All of these things were gifts from the weekend.  It’s so easy to hear the bad news, especially about the church and christianity.  True disciples live their lives in such opposition to our culture and I spent a few days with a group of people who have made it their mission to carry on the work of Christ despite what the world might think or say!  I spent the weekend surrounded by people who scream to the world  through their actions, all that is right with the church.  Their mission is to love and serve and to lead and they left my heart  FULL!  

Their joy and faithfulness reminded me that the doubters, the scandals, the disappointments will always swirl around our feet but they always have and Jesus’ instructions still stick.  Enter a place in peace, share the truth with love and shake the dust and move along if you encounter opposition.  As disciples we are asked to share the Good News, plant seeds and invite.  If we do those things in absolute humility we can rest assured that we have done all the Father is asking.  

The funny thing about hope is there are times it may seem to run in short supply but if our eyes and hearts are open, there are so many opportunities to have it restored.  It can be easy to get stuck in hopelessness but there are people and events everyday that can fill your hope right back up to full if you’re looking.  It’s a little like that Mr. Rogers quote; always look for the helpers.  I was reminded this weekend that helpers don’t all wear uniforms and arrive with flashing lights. Sometimes it’s a group of deacons and wives who have dedicated their life to serve the Lord because they know he’s done good things in their life and they simply want to share his love and his hope with those who need it…without counting the cost, the time or the energy.  I’m so thankful for them!

A Seed To Plant:  This is a double!  Be on the lookout for a person or event big or small that restores hope. Second, do something for another person this week that restores hope.​

Blessings on your day!