I needed to arrive at church at 10:30 to meet with several ladies that have agreed to be part of the prayer team that will lead our congregation in prayer through our Honor the Gift stewardship campaign. This left Rick to round up our 3 grand babies and arrive by 11:00.
Of course, before I left I made sure that Jillian 6, Nolan 5 and 11 year old Little Ricky were dressed and ready to go. All was well with our meeting so off to our morning service. Rick and our 3 babes looked so precious as the occupied over half of the pew. What a blessing to have the kids with us, neither parents Steph and Criag, or Rick and Hope attend church, on a regular basis. But Mimi sure does pray a lot about that!
After communion we moved to the creative art station, then to the prayer station. Individually with Mimi, Jillian, Nolan and Ricky knelt and offered their own special prayer requests to God. Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.
Sitting in the side pews I noticed an unfamiliar face; he had a backpack and looked like he may have just dropped in! This gentleman joined us after service for a luncheon in honor our youth director Pam, who is leaving to follow God`s call to continue her education. I believe that someday Pam will have her own congregation, but she does`t see it that way, only time will tell!
I chatted briefly with the backpack guy as we waited in the serving line. I really had difficulties following what he was talking about, but I tried to be friendly and welcoming as I nodded in agreement, to whatever it was he was mumbling to me about bananas?
I joined Rick and the grand babes as we crowded around our small table. The kids thought the food was great and I agreed; Methodists do food well! Then it happened I saw backpack guy sitting alone at a table behind us; the Godly- nudge....you spoke to him but, you did`nt introduce yourself nor did you bother to truly welcome.
I walk over and introduced myself asked his name, and welcomed David, assuring him it was nice to have him join us. I rejoined Rick and the kids we continued enjoying our special time together.
It wasn`t until the next morning that I realize what a miserable job I had done following God nudge to welcome, David. I did it half-hearted and with little to no passion. I didn`t even bother to inquire why or how he happened to join us, I CAN`T BELIEVE THIS ONE , I did`nt even offer to pray with him. I`m blogging about prayer, dah, what was wrong with me? Not to mention I just came off of a Healing Prayer retreat.
Was I just preoccupied, too busy to stop and be a true disciple. What am I teaching our children? Father God, please forgive my poor choices and correct my selfish ways! I pray that someone did a better job for You, with David than I did.
Hebrew 13 1-2 Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain stranger, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing.
Thank you, Linda, for the chance to pray together this morning and lift David (I was ashamed that I did not even know this gentleman's name) in prayer together.You and this blog that you are sharing are an inspiration. Thank you that we hold each other accountable, and by God's grace, we will both strive to do better next time. Blessings.
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