A Million, Million Doors

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I enjoy listening to the music on the Christian radio station in my car. Once in a while, a particular song, or even a line in a song, speaks volumes to me.

One such song is entitled "With Every Act of Love" by Jason Gray. This is the part of the song that particularly resounded in my own heart.

"God put a million, million doors in the world
For his love to walk through
One of those doors is you."

The verses in the song describe two different scenarios where someone is hurting in some way, and someone else reaches out with God's love and brings hope..."as heaven touches earth".

As we move into the Advent season, we remember how God Himself walked into this world to bring His love to us. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again so we could know God's love. He has placed us, His children, in this world to extend the love we have received to others. 

Yes, it is true.

God put a million, million doors in the world
For his love to walk through
One of those doors is you.

The question is this. Is the door of my heart open?  Is yours?

Thankful for Smiles

In case you didn't know, during this stage of my life, God has me running a cash register at our local Hobby Lobby. It is a far cry from the kind of ministry I had for the past twenty years, but I am thankful to have employment with a company that holds strong to the same beliefs I have.

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One of the things I enjoy most about my work is seeing the people pass through my check-out line. Many of them seem happy and content. In the few moments we connect, we share a bit of joy.

Some are tired and seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. I do the best I can to serve them with kindness and efficiency. Sometimes, a person who came to me with a somber face leaves with at least a little smile. Others walk away still grumpy.

I'm not ignorant. Whatever problems weighed my customer down when he or she arrived will still be there when they leave. Whether my customer leaves with a smile or not, they will still have to grapple with those problems. Even so, during those few moments when our paths cross, I hope that in my smile, people can see a glimpse of my Lord Jesus. 

I may not be engaged in full-time ministry right now, but I still see my work as a type of ministry anyway. I am thankful for the ministry of smiles.