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 that 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.

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. May we never 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.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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