Coffee Talk July 2010
Care Cards….have you written any today?
Every year at camp we do this thing called Care Card envelops. We have been doing this for every camp for over 21 years. And after 21 years, it never ceases to amaze me that the kids can’t wait to get their care card envelopes. As soon as we load up to go home, the kids begin to say: “when do we get our care card envelopes?”And the response is pretty much the same: “We will give them out after lunch.” The kids can’t wait!
The minute I get home after unloading the car, I too sit down to read the care cards that people, kids, and leaders have put into my envelope. I am like the kids for I too can’t wait to read what others thought of camp or what funny stories touched their souls. I long to read of how God changed them which always changes me.
This year I preached at Mission Camp, and I must admit God preached great through me. Over and over again I heard from kids through their care cards, that they finally got it! I read many of their thoughts, and for many of them the light went on, and the Word of God spoke to them. (Trust me, that does not happen in real life all the time)
I thank God for these kids, and leaders, but also for their ability to write such empowering grace giving words of affirmation. What a blessing it is for all of us, after a week of being together, worshiping, praying, working for God to see His mighty Love in words from peers!!! Care Cards’ rock. In so many different ways, it is as if God is saying; “Well done servant. “
These care cards hold the keys to our growing up as faithful servants, and disciples for the Lord. These care cards are words of encouragement from God. These care cards remind us that we are loved by the King. And nowhere else on earth do we hear those words of affirmation in our daily grind of a day.
We most certainly don’t hear it from our coaches nearly enough, or teachers nearly enough, or even parents nearly enough.
We don’t hear that from our friends at home, who are only concerned about themselves. We don’t hear those cool words from siblings, or family members. We don’t hear words of hope, and joy, and fun from our boss at work who is more concerned with the budget then our souls.
But when we get together to do the mission of God, we always hear: “Well done servant!” You made me laugh, you made me feel welcomed, you rock at hammering, digging holes, cleaning out garbage so that others might see light! You rock!”
I wonder if we put care card envelops in our church, what would people say about us? Would they write thank you for serving, thank you for helping me see God. Would they write thank you for inviting me, making me feel special? Would they write you helped me when I was tired? You helped me with this big project, and I saw God’s hands of grace. Would they?
Or would our envelopes be filled with things like: “ I don’t’ have time, I am too busy, I don’t’ like Mohawks, funny hair, strangers….I don’t like the way you talk, or the way you sing, or the way you dance ……I don’t like that you want more of me, I am too busy. Stop working around here. Why do we have to give to mission any way?”
Really. What would you and I read in our care cards here in the church building? I saw Jesus in you, because you loved me even when no one else did? Thank you for letting me just be me, until I saw Jesus?
I wonder, maybe we should have care card envelopes in the church. And just maybe if we did, we would hear well done servant, or we would find out, we need to serve each other more with our love. Maybe, just maybe, we would become encouragers, hope bringers, strength builders, and empowering people with the promise of Christ like love, because Jesus loves us.
Maybe we wouldn’t worry so much about ourselves, and what we think should happen in our church building, but it would be more about what we are doing for others, and then we too would hear: thank you for loving me like Jesus.”
Just a thought people. Faith without action is dead. And that includes our ability to love others, and to say good things to one another, about all good things we see in them.
Here’s a thought: “What would Jesus put in your care card?”
Would he say well done! Or would he say, you have not said a good thing to anyone in the church, or at your work, or in your home? You need to love more, just like I love you?
Say something wonderful to people today Christians. Tell your kids, your employee, your grass cutter, your sister, your brother, your car mechanic, your neighbor, your parent, your lay person at church, your nurse who cares for you, your child who helps you with so many things! Say something good to someone each day! Be love with your words. God’s Word is alive, and it speaks. Let us speak, and write words that help others know what God’s love is all about!
If you do that: you will hear……… “Well done servant!!!”
IN HIM
Jennifer
