Blessing Abound

I had surgery yesterday on my gums in an effort to revise my gum line. According to my internal dialogue, I had quite the “gummy smile”. For quite some time now, it has been affecting my confidence at work and everywhere else in my life for that matter. That being said, I decided to treat myself to a new smile. This was the first step. It was a very surreal experience. I went in earlier that morning for a consultation. I was interested in what the gum specialist was capable of achieving and wanted to know how much it would cost me. As he described the procedure and outcome, I was quite interested in proceeding.
Unfortunately, the cost was set at $1000 which, for me, was just too much money during this time of year. I couldn’t justify spending that much money on myself when there are things my family could use that were far more important to me. Just as I had all but given up the dream for the time being, the good doctor continued by saying, “but, in the spirit of Christmas and considering the fact that I had a huge cancelation this morning that I would otherwise have to eat, I would be willing to do the job for you for $100.” I was instantly overcome with emotion and unable to speak for a moment. After composing myself, I relayed my appreciation and the fact that I considered this a true blessing from God. So, we booked an appointment for the same day and proceeded accordingly.
There is a reason I chose this experience as the topic of my entry today. I am a true believer in the concept of being blessed for doing the Lord’s work. The day before, my family and I committed ourselves to the service of our fellow man in a capacity to sacred for me to elaborate on in this setting. Nevertheless, we donated our time to the service of others with no expectations for reciprocation. In this day in age, we (society as a whole) are so overwhelmed with our own personal responsibilities and “burdens”, we very rarely find time to serve each other. This is an extremely unfortunate truth that few of us are exempt from. Whether work, finances or marital issues, we seem to focus on them and allow them to occupy our every thought. Well, as we continue through the holiday season, our thought should be focused on serving each other.
Serving others is a very interesting thing to me. I have found, as I strive to be of service to my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, and to free them of their concerns and/or burdens, my problems seem to truly melt away. I have a testimony of the strength of service and the affects it has, not only on the recipients, but on us in the process. It’s a great concept that, if accepted and implemented by all, would solve so many problems and simultaneously. If I help you and those around me, and those around me do the same, the odds are that my problems and concerns will be addressed by someone else.
What a concept this is. I could go about my life, addressing my personal issues and minding my own business and most likely, I would be able to solve many of them. The satisfaction derived from solving my own problems is there but it is minimal at best. Conversely, if I focus on helping others, rather than myself, it gives them hope and brings me great satisfaction know that a friend has one less concern.
Charity, the unconditional love of Christ, is boundless. It is a love that is a verb. It’s an action. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, which is a lifestyle, this concept is inseparable. Give of your time. Give of your substance. Don’t just tell your family and friends that you love them, show them. We have the ability to inspire those around us by merely leading by example. It is the most effective way to affect change. In a time when we are so focused on the negative in our lives, let go, look to your neighbor, and give them something to smile about. Allow virtue and love to garnish your every waking thought and the blessing in your lives will grow exponentially.

“If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

Merry Christmas.