July 21st

July 21st

Read: Galatians 7:7-9; Job 4:8-9 with Hosea 10:12

We must deal with all sorts of people every day. Some days we get the sunny, friendly folk who share graciously in our lives. The test comes when we get the prickly, oh-so-touchy ones or the `clams’ who barely speak and are very reluctant to share anything, not even a smile. I have worked as a volunteer in the Visitors Center in Tombstone, AZ. Most times the people are open and friendly, but there are some who really test my Christian reactions and responses! With them I try very hard not to respond in kind. I try to remember that Jesus loves them just as much as He loves me. When I am able to do that, my responses will count for Him.

THE HARVEST
Look at the oyster
His shell is his cloister
Shutting him off from his undersea world.
He keeps his treasure
For his private pleasure
Until comes the diver and he is de-pearled.

Consider the coral..
And here is the moral:
He is so prickly that he’s hard to touch.
In harvest he scratches
When diver detaches.
When he reaches shore, he’s not hugged very much.

Don’t mimic these creatures.
Think on their features
And turn right away from their self-serving ways.
Share as the birds do.
Tell folks, “I love you.”
Lift up your voice in a song filled with praise.

Prayer: Dear Lord, keep me kind and gentle with those who are difficult to deal with.