Spiritual Sunday

Our last week of the "Go" series. I have really enjoyed this series. I have tried to get in touch with what direction God is moving my life in. I have tried to do some of my own "Go" projects. I have tried to give back to God, by giving back to others in my life. While I am at it, I need to thank a friend, who made me her "Go" project. She gave me her leftover - EXPENSIVE - childcare hours at the gym that I am a member of and that she used to attend. Thank you, Erin!

So today, our pastor talked about Jesus' last "commission," to go and make disciples of others and what it meant to do that. He said, it doesn't mean that you have to go out and push people, but merely "walk with them," talk with them, and my interpretation, basically be a friend. Be a friend that they can lean on, that can pray for them, that can pray with them, that can celebrate with them. Really, how much does that take? For me, not much. I view myself as that kind of a friend, for the most part, anyway. Now, I am not trying to say that I am a perfect Christian by ANY means. But I think that I am off to a good start with being a disciple and making disciples of others. I think that this means to treat all people that you come into contact with in a kind and respectful manner.

How am I making disciples of my fellow men? In the simplest of terms, I am raising my children to be kind-hearted, compassionate, empathetic, respectful people. Meanness and rudeness are not tolerated in this household. And, it is totally paying off. I just have to say how incredibly proud I was of my children during our trip to Disneyland. While we waited in line, they were polite and kind and respectful. They weren't throwing fits; they said excuse me and thank you; they weren't crowding people or invading their space; they weren't trying to cut; they weren't behaving like brats. They talked quietly, patiently waited their turn, didn't complain about waiting, didn't climb on the fences or areas that were not meant to be climbed/sat/walked on, didn't accidentally bump people over and over (if they did, they immediately apologized). This is how I am making disciples. And sometimes God's work isn't hard. This particular job has been frustrating at times. But, really, I don't have to yell at them or do anything more than just ask them to mind their behavior. And they know that means treating people with kindness and respect. I think that is a good start.