The Wood Fairy
Galatians 6:9-10 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of
believers." NIV
Cutting, hauling and stacking wood is a large part of our lifestyle in northern
British Columbia, Canada. It is simply a fact of life. If we want to stay warm
in the winter, we must work hard in the summer and get the wood in. As much as
we appreciate the fact that we have the strength and energy to do this hard
work, and that this task keeps us in good physical shape, there are days when we
groan at the very thought of unsheathing the chain saw and hauling out the wood
wagon. So you can imagine what a thrill it was for us when we arrived home from
work one evening to discover that a cord and a half of wood we had had delivered
the day before had all been neatly cut and was just waiting for us to haul it to
the wood shed.
Look, my daughter said as she pointed at the sight, the wood fairy has been
here! This kind act by the Anglican pastor's husband reminded me of today's
scripture. Cutting wood for someone is not a glorious task, one which puts a
person in the limelight to receive applause and slaps on the back of
acknowledgement from others. It is simply hard work that makes a person
physically weary. And yet such a humble and simple act of kindness is the work
and will of God.
So today, as God's children, let us look for opportunity to do good to all
people, as the occasion arises. Let us not be cynical, lazy or weary in our
desire and efforts to obey our Lord. For no matter how inglorious a kind act
toward another may seem to us, such tasks are indeed opportunities to share the
radiant beams of Christ like love to the world around us.
Prayer: Father God open our hearts and eyes to recognize and grasp this day the
opportunities you set before us to do good to others. Grant us the strength and
grace to perform these acts of kindness with humility and love even when those
we seek to bless may turn a blind eye or give no acknowledgment to our efforts.
Let us not ever grow weary of doing good for Christ's sake that others might see
and know the Living Lord within us. In Christ's name we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, B.C.