"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." 1 Corinthians 10:23. (NKJV).
"Grandfather." Timmy bumped into a chair in his haste. "A letter from Aunt Mary."
"Slow down, son. Let's see what Mary's been up to."
Dear Brother,
It's been a whirlwind—Christmas preparation, etc, but that’s not why I'm writing.
The week before Christmas, I made a sheet cake topped with a gingerbread house—shrubs, stepping stones—the whole shebang, for the Morales family. Don't mind telling you I was pleased. The car was loaded with goodies, including an artificial Christmas tree.
We turned onto the Morales' street and went silent. Banana trees were planted and decorated with construction paper cut-outs, and a colorful construction paper chain draped from one tree to the other.
Greetings and hugs exchanged, we had our songs and Bible Study, then gave our gifts to the children. As we prepared to pack up, the sweet grandmother thanked me for the cake and Christmas tree.
"Please come with me,” she said.
On their patio, boards over saw horses covered with white paper held their favorite dishes--arroz con pollo and other specialties filled the center with place settings on the sides. They insisted we sit.
Wait, this isn’t right—and then I looked at the grandmother’s face. Beaming. No. Glowing with happiness. I couldn't refuse--
“Mama?” my daughter said. “Where’s their chicken?”
Brother, I'm telling you I felt as big as a gnat. I couldn’t breathe. I thought I’d done so much for them. But I did out of my plenty. They gave us their all—their only chicken. They treated us like royalty refusing to sit but wanting to serve.
O Lord Jesus, I prayed. Please forgive me, a sinner. Have mercy and give me a true servant's heart. A Heart like Yours. A heart like these wonderful people. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Brother, it's the most important lesson I've learned since the Lord Jesus made me His. I couldn't wait another minute to share it with you. Merry Christmas! I love you. Mary.
"Grandfather? I want a servant's heart. Will you pray with me?"
He cleared his throat, dabbed his eyes with his handkerchief.
"Absolutely, son." Arm around Timmy, he prayed, "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you..."
Kingdom Thinking. I, too, offer Mary's prayer, not just this Christmas season, but always. The Lord loves me and promises never to leave me. I need not fear. He offers you the same. Won't you come?
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