"Mother Earth"

When we got home tonight I had an awesome message on our answering machine. Beth, one of my favorite people at our church (I know, I'm not supposed to have favorites), called to thank me for today! Let's just say that Beth has had a rough year. On top of several challenges, her dad passed away last December. For many people, the holidays are not the "happiest time of the year." I'm sure Thanksgiving and Christmas will be difficult. But on her message she talked about how great it was serving others today and for a couple of hours she could give of herself and it was just what she needed. As she spoke I couldn't help but think of Luke 9:24, "If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." In fact, I was bragging on Beth to several people today. She is a worker bee! She and Rebecca (another worker bee) didn't stop working in those flower beds. In fact, I even called Beth "Mother Earth" today because every time I saw her she was on her hands and knees digging in the dirt (not because of how old she is compared to me). So Beth - thank you! Thank you for your encouragement, your hard work, your servants heart, your sense of humor, and your willingness to give your life away for Jesus to find real life! You make your Daddy proud - both of them!