Three

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians3:23-24

Three is my favorite number.  Lots of great things come in three’s.  The Holy Trinity, the Wise Men, the Holy Family, Wohlfert kids and lots of others.   Another cool three happened recently and it caught me a little by surprise.  I realized that I have been writing this blog twice a week for three years!  That’s more than 300 posts…from the girl who got a B- in English! I can’t believe that much time has passed so quickly! 

I never imagined or aspired to be a writer of any kind but I have this deal with the Father.  Our arrangement states that if he really wants me to do something, he needs to point it out to me very clearly three times in pretty quick fashion. About three and a half years ago I was speaking at a conference and after the presentation a lady stopped me and asked if I had a blog.  I smiled not really knowing what a blog even was and said “No, not me!”  As I made my way through the Convention Center lobby I was met by a second lady who asked for a business card and inquired about a web address in case I had a blog she could check out.  Yikes…that was two; believe me I wanted to take my chubby little legs and high-tail it to the Suburban lickety split before I got snagged by number three.  I made it to the parking lot and put my stuff in the back seat.  As I closed the door, I saw a woman waving and walking quickly toward me.  I started to walk toward her and it felt a little like someone had poured cement into my shoes.  I was so afraid she would mention the blog word again, bringing the total to three and that would mean I’d have to honor my end of the deal.  There we stood right in the middle of the parking lot and she gave me a giant hug and said she just wanted to tell me that she could use a little dose of Faith and Humor each week so she wondered if I had a …no…don’t say it lady…a blog? I could think of nothing else to say except, “I’m workin on it!”  I prayed and argued about it  and despite my technology and writing deficits,  the request came in three’s two more times SO three years ago the Joyful Words blog was born. 

I promised I’d keep writing as long as HE sent the words and as long as people kept reading.  Both have happened.  I have absolutely NO DOUBT that this is all his doing because there are so many, many Monday and Thursday mornings I sit down at the crack of dawn with no idea what to write about and after some prayer to the Holy Spirit for HIS words the typing just begins.  I’m humbled and honored to share His words with you.  I’m privileged that you share your thoughts and reactions to the ideas the posts stir in your mind and your heart.  I’m blessed beyond measure that so many of you have shared stories of your discipleship journey with me.  Someone asked me recently how long I was going to keep this up and my response was, “I have NO idea…He was pretty bossy about starting it so I’m sure He’ll be just as clear about stopping!”  Until then, I’ll keep writing if you keep reading!

I am walking proof of the truth in the quote, God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called! I’m glad I listened.  I’m glad I agreed even though I was overwhelmed.  I’m glad I gave him a yes even though it’s often painfully humbling.  I’m grateful that you are such kind readers overlooking typos, improper punctuation and less than text book perfect grammar and format.  Mostly, I’m glad he asked me to serve him this way instead of mission work in a far away, mosquito ridden, wild animal infested, jungleish kind of place!   I’m happy to serve him right from my laptop on the dining room table.  Happy Birthday Joyful Words! 

A Seed To Plant:  How is God asking you to serve Him?  Give it some prayerful thought and then give him permission to show you how…he’s full of surprises!

Blessings on your day!