A Good Deed

Daily Gratitude Year 4- Day 244: Today, I am grateful for good deeds in a weary world. 

Another Willie Wonka quote for today. Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory was full of wonder and invention. Willie created his own little world inside...but in doing so, he cut himself off from the outside world. Then came the realization that he had an amazing legacy and no one to receive it. A gift with no recipient. He had to risk letting someone inside his factory and his heart.

Charlie had an amazing heart and good character. Yes, he had temptations, but don't we all? His home was full of love but it was no easy road. His life provided no luxuries, but love sustained. He cherished his family. Even the ones who were harder to love. Yes, Charlie looked for the good. He wanted to do the right thing and it made him uncomfortable when those around him exhibited horrible behaviors. 

"So shines a good deed in a weary world." - Willie Wonka

We had flash floods yesterday. Little random acts of kindness popped up all over town as people tried to help each other other. Some strangers. Others friends. Crisis seems to bring out the best in people or the worst. I think the same can be true for those who are blessed with money, fame and good fortune. Both struggle and wealth can bring out the best and the worst in people. It is why so many find their purpose, their joy and their calling when they choose to serve "the least of these". 

I just  heard a man say that he went on a mission trip because he knew he had medical gifts he could share. He came back a changed man. He...I believe was a cardiologist...but it was his heart that experienced new hope as he discovered that God's presence was rich among the people who lived "in the margins". The people society calls "the least of these"... just praying for their daily bread and not building castles... were the very people who showed him the powerful peace, love and joy of embracing "this day" as it is given. He found the wonder and the "wow" of God in serving the poor, the sick and the simple. 

We are called to be "salt" and "light". 

" “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16

A good deed... a God calling... it shines in a dark, weary world. 

Good morning Earworm. He is singing a little Kari Jobe's "We Are" this morning. Love that song. It always makes me think of a sweet girl name Cora who loved Kari's music and certainly fulfilled her calling to be salt and light. Her legacy will be much longer than her short time here on earth. She let her light shine.  Here are partial lyrics and a link to the song. 

Every secret, every shame
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that's not who we are
We are children of the day

We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B07iK9uh9qY  

Flash flood... deep waters... dark seasons... there is light and there is hope.

Today, I am grateful for good deeds in a weary world.