STAYING ALERT

TODAY: Pray this prayer: Dear Lord: In this busy life we lead, please help us to be alert Christians, and in doing so, be steadfast in passing on the Word. Help us to listen closely to others and use our day-to-day interactions as opportunities to do your good work. We ask this in your son’s name. Amen.

I was recently reacquainted with the mother of one of my daughter’s friends. They had moved away a couple of years ago and were here for a short visit. She and I were only casual acquaintances, but our interactions were always pleasant. When I took Adrienne over to visit her friend, I was invited in by her mother. I was eager to hear about her life in Europe and about all their traveling.

During our conversation, it became clear she was not happy and was struggling with some very personal issues. I was almost at a loss for words as she revealed her current life. And I almost missed my opportunity to let her know that she is not alone. There is someone who knows and understands, and all she has to do is ask Him for help.

That experience made me wonder how many other opportunities I may have missed over the course of my busy life these days. How could I not be passing on the Word to those in need? Could I possibly not be hearing cries of help? Shame on me! I fear that sometimes my mind is so overloaded and I seem to be moving so fast that my faith is not at the top of my “to-do” list. I have vowed to be more alert and in tune to our charge: passing on the Good Word! Will you join me?

— Jane Euler

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist