thinking about seeds...Day 35

"sowing seeds" by leanne

I started a new job about 2 weeks ago.  As a physical therapist aide, God has provided me with a position that involves a great deal of interpersonal contact with patients.  Honestly, the first week I was trying so hard to absorb new information and new procedures that I didn't realize what a rich environment God had placed me in to sow my faith. 

This week, however, as I have settled in a little bit, I am beginning to get my eyes off my own anxious thoughts and have had more meaningful conversation with  patients.  I have always loved to hear people's stories and now, as I am helping patients with their exercises or setting them up for ice and other procedures, they are sharing with me about their lives. 

I don't know exactly how God is going to use me in this setting because I must use discretion and be appropriate in my conversations with patients; meaning  there are limits when it comes to discussing my faith. I must honor those boundaries. 

However, I have no limits on the amount of care or encouragement I can offer. I can also pray for patients.  Maybe I can sow seeds that way.  But, I wonder if I am really sowing seeds if I don't share about Jesus... if I never get the chance to tell anyone the  reason for the hope that is in me. 

I don't have an answer for that.  Right now I will just ask God to guide me in showing love and care to each patient and my coworkers in ways that are meaningful to them and honoring to Him.

I have this note tacked onto my wall near my desk at home.  I do not know the author, but I read this note often...because I need to...because sometimes it is very easy to get consumed by earthly business, missing the opportunities to invest myself in things that last for eternity.

Here is the note:

"Many times I miss opportunities to participate in eternal business because I am so focused on earthly business.  My agenda because my god and time management my idol.  I could have been "God with skin on" to the frustrated cashier at the grocery store instead of brushing her aside because I was in a hurry to do something I deemed more important.  I could have blessed the friend who called needing an encouraging word, instead of preaching an unsolicited sermon in the name of compassion.  I could have taken a few more minutes to listen when an elderly man struck up a conversation with me at the gas pump, instead of walking away, leaving him just as lonely as when we met.

Jesus did things differently.  With every breath, He was aware of the hurting and wounded, pursuing the broken people instead of avoiding them.  Jesus carefully and deliberately invested every moment of His time on earth in eternal things."

-author unknown 

I want to be more like Jesus.