By, Lisa Kurtz
WhenI was asked to write a devotion for this blog. I was honored and began praying about what the Lord would like me to share. Little did I know our ministry would suffer a great loss that week!
You know the person in your ministry that is always present behind the scenes to make sure things run smoothly, the one who sees the little details, the one who quietly serves others? I think each ministry has such individuals, and they are invaluable. This individual happened to be my husband’s aunt, who also happened to be the office manager in our church. We lost her unexpectedly that week.
As I sat in the office to help out, I glanced at her chair several times - in disbelief she would not be filling that chair. I pondered what made Gwen so special! What caused Gwen to make a lasting impact on so many lives? You know what I came back to, time and time again? She cared deeply for people! She took Hebrews 10:24-25 to heart. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Oh yes, she paid the church bills, she handled many behind-the-scenes details that help make a church run properly... such as fixing the copier or finding out why my emails weren’t working. She also handled large amounts of insurance issues for our staff and so many other important tasks. But after her passing, I didn't hear one person say “Gwen made an impact on my life because she paid the bills at the church.” I have, on the other hand, heard countless people say, “Gwen wrote me an encouraging note.”
She saw when others were hurting or needed encouraged. She saw when something fun or exciting was happening in other’s lives! She wanted to celebrate with you. She was never jealous or feeling sorry for herself. She genuinely desired those around her to enjoy life and she wanted to cheer you on! I will never forget the time I came back to my desk one afternoon to find my favorite candy and note from Aunt Gwen. She just wanted to remind me she knew I was going through some very difficult things, and she was proud of me for trusting the Lord! I will remember that note the rest of my life.
We all know Martha and Mary in the Bible. Gwen was both! She worked countless hours on the school drama, preparing payroll at the church, and many other activities. She also knew the importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet and worshipping Him. Her love for Jesus oozed from her life! She loved BIG! She loved her family very much! She loved her friends! She loved anyone God put in her path! Let’s all learn from her example. A few things that could help us love BIG this week!
1. Send the note! Send the note of encouragement, the note of congratulations or just to say “I love you!”
2. Rejoice with others when they are on a mountaintop! (pray and ask the Lord to help you not to be jealous of someone’s blessings).
3. Work hard and take your tasks seriously....but remember people are most important!
4. Don’t get so busy serving, and forget people.
5. Reach out to others even when things are hard in your own life!
6. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. When He encourages you to reach out to someone, make it a priority!
7. Pray for those in your life and tell them often!
8. Share love and appreciation. You can never say “I love you” and “I am proud of you” too much!
As I end this little reminder tonight, my prayer is that each of us love BIG... write the note!
We will never know when our time on this earth will come to an end. What will the girl sitting next you, the family member in your life have to say about your life? How did you impact their lives? Lets make it our priority to love others BIG so we can make a lasting impact for eternity!
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