Proverbs 8:32 NLT
“And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.
I hope you don’t get tired of hearing about #back2school because this outreach and ministry keeps flowing through my head and heart. Let me share a few more things that keep me going.
Two moments stick out to me. Both have a few things that are similar. They make me glad and push me to keep on making this work a reality.
Saturday morning I was preparing to visit a few of the other locations where back2school was happening. There were several miles ahead, lots of conversations and stories to hear and share.
That is when a little face caught my attention. Looking out the passenger window of a large four door car was this precious little one. I notice the smile and the wide eyes. All of the sudden this child smiles bigger and sits up. She noticed a backpack. That smile keeps me going. I can’t get it out of my head.
Another smile caught my attention, but now it is Monday. We have been serving students who were not able to be at Saturday’s event. Two sisters were with a social worker helping them get ready for school. Nothing seemed to make her overly excited. That was until she saw another pair of shoes. They were similar to her sister’s shoes. Her smile told a story. That smile keeps me going.
Smiles remind me of joy. Yet I know smiles come and go. But joy sticks longer. Joy is important. That is why back2school will continue, and it is awesome from start to finish no matter the chaos or struggle.
Those smiles keep me going. Those smiles let me know that there is joy in their hearts. That is where the biggest connection is. When someone has joy, they are open to accept hope. And real hope is found in Jesus.
Notice those smiles.
Psalm 144:15 NLT
Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.
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