This blog is meant to be a shout of love to the community that we live in. As followers of Jesus, Living Joy Christian Center wants to be the presence of love to those who need hope, encouragement, and joy.
Love is often practical. Helping pick up litter, holding the door open for someone, donating food. For the purposes of this author, though, love will be passed out wrapped in words of appreciation for those in our little town. I hope all who read are blessed with the realization that you are seen and loved more that you know.
This summer I watered flowers in front of the mall. Each day, I spent an hour or so, dragging a dirty hose across the parking lot, climbing a ladder, and spraying the baskets with a leaky spray wand. Money-wise, it may not have been worth my time. But day after day, I got paid by the people in Mackenzie. It was unreal how often I got the credit for the blossoming beauties that fell over the baskets in their bright pinks and purples. People would stop and thank me for the great job, and tell me how beautiful 'my' flowers were. They would take a moment on their way to wherever they were going to encourage me and thank me for my hard work. Every day I was humbled by the gratitude spoken over my 'thankless' job.
Today Living Joy Loves every one of you that stopped to encourage the flower-waterers. You made a difference.
God, thanks for the encouragers in this town. For the people that take time to say something kind. People that are intentional with their words, who build others up. God would you bless them with a love and purpose that is greater than they've ever had before. Show them that they matter, and that they're making a difference. In Jesus' name, Amen.
