That song that makes you laugh or cry. A summer you will never forget. A great chat with a friend.
One hit wonders.
Many of our most memorable moments happen but once.
The wonder of one.
This year as I began to unwrap some of our most cherished ornaments to decorate our family tree I pictured the faces, remembered the seasons and could hear the voices of many of those who had given them to us.
Each ornament is unique in how each year it connects the heart and story of the giver and the wonder of my own heart.
“Our First Christmas” is always one of the first to be hung. It was a wedding gift from a couple of former teachers and coach but now and forever will be treasured friends. I always place it near the top. It makes me smile.
The dazzling, sequined angel is from a friend, who is now a breast cancer survivor. I thank God for making us friends many moons ago and for the angel He has guarding her life even now.
The perfectly, porcelain ballerina twirled her way all the way from London, England the year my mother and I went for Thanksgiving.
The trip was so jam-packed with goodness we actually forgot mother’s birthday until it had almost passed.
Another cherished ornament is broken on one side. I use it anyway. It’s from a former student with a heart the size of Texas and a voice that makes me glad. His parents have since divorced. His life is now broken in part. When I marvel at this little broken, glittered, glass ornament I am prompted to pray that it is well with his soul.
The ornaments on our tree are vivid reminders of stories and the precious ones living them out.
Stories told and listened to one at a time.
Some stories glittery and well.
Others tarnished, seasoned, broken in part.
I was given the privilege to speak to another gracious women’s group tonight.
The wonder of one was our topic of discussion.
Jim Cymabala, author of Fresh Wind Fresh Fire says, “There is no holding pattern..we are either drawing nearer to or falling away from Christ.
Could your story be the story that brings one, one step closer to Christ?
It’s not a matter of IF someone needs to hear your story of redemption or grace but who.
I Peter 3:15 says, “..be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you…”
If we don’t tell them how will they know of the hope? Of all of the good things He has done?
How will they know how much Jesus loves them and how NOTHING can separate us from the love of God lest we tell them?
Chuck Swindoll once said, “The skeptic may deny your doctrine or attack your church, but he cannot honestly ignore the fact that your life has been changed.”
How has your life changed since your surrendered your life to Christ?
How has He rescued you in your times of trouble?
How has Jesus met your felt needs?
How has He proven Himself faithful?
How will they know lest we be willing to share?
Lysa TerKeurst words’ pierced my soul this past July when she pointed her finger and said from the Proverbs 31 She Speaks stage, “Do for one what you would do for a thousand.”
Do for one.
Share with one.
Encourage one.
Mentor one with your story.
I challenge you my dear friends to join me as we, do for one.
Let us throw off the things that hinder us from running our race well.
Throw off the fear that seeks to disable us. Confess the sin that is polluting our soul. Let us resist pride and beg for grace.
Consider the effect if you connect with one and I connect with one and each of them connect with one?
Cliffe Knetchtle in Give Me an Answer said, “A person’s coming to Christ is like a chain with many links…There are many influences and conversations that precede a person’s decision to convert to Christ. I know the joy of being the first link at times, a middle link usually, and occasionally the last link. God has not called me to only the last link.”
A conversation over coffee or a kind act from you may be the link that draws one closer to Jesus.
Lastly, as we near the peak of the Christmas season and we adore The One:
Prince of Peace
The Messiah
Author and Finisher
Alpha and Omega
Be brave dear ones. Remember the baby that came to seek and to save; He makes us brave.
Share Him with one because you love Him and because of all that He has done.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Merry Christmas friends..
With all of my heart, thank you for support this past year.
(Without you, I’d be talking to myself.)
Love y’all
