1 Corinthians 3:6-8
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
8 The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.
For the past week and a half, I was given the privilege of supervising a program for students with special needs who are participating in a camp. They are on church property every day from 8:00am to 3:00pm. CILO is the organization that runs the program. These students are all in high school and have special needs. Some have intellectual delays while others have emotional issues. All participate in the Exceptional Student Education program in Palm Beach County. CILO’s camp benefits the students in that they can earn stipends paid by Vocational Rehabilitation and the state. As the students learn job skills, they get paid. This program benefits the parents in that they do not need to leave their children home alone for winter break. All this explanation is to say thank you to UMCPB for providing a place for these students to feel and be safe.
Even though this is not one of our programs, I have had many opportunities to share God’s love. One student is a practicing Roman Catholic. Her mother complains that her daughter, Kat (not her real name), has become very judgmental of everyone since she proclaimed her faith in God. The staff witnessed Mom calling her “Negative Nancy” when Kat began complaining about the other students’ behaviors in class. We had an incident where she was verbally aggressive toward other students because they were not behaving in a “Christian” way. I was told about this happening and the following day; she and I were sitting out on a bench together.
Kat asked me questions about who I was and what I did. Once I shared with her, she began talking about her theology. We did not solve any great theological questions; however, our time together was a time of grace and love. I learned that her belief in God was only one of a judging God and she felt she should defend God and tell the other students what they were doing wrong. Fair enough, but we know how that may cause major issues for her in the real world. I know that our conversation did not change any judging attitude in her. Nonetheless, God brought us together. Kat and I continued to talk and bond over the week. We may never see each other again, but I know that Kat will have a special place in my heart. And, I am sure that God is loving on Kat and helping the seed to grow.
My goal for 2023 is to be aware and keep my eyes open for how God wants me to plant seeds. What is your goal for 2023?
- I long ago realized that all I can do is plant a seed. In my time, I may never see the final plant grow and grow in their life. But that doesn't stop me from planting seeds. Pastor David
- This is nice prayer that came in my email this morning. Seem appropriate. Feel free to us it. Pastor David Holy One, as we are coming to the end of another year, we ask your guidance for the year to come. You have given us the opportunity to serve and worship you. As people of Israel, those who you have made a covenant with will sing your praises. Your grace and mercy have brought us close to your heart. We will sing your praises forever and ever. “Once you have seen the Child, you will never be quite the Same.” ** Help us to make the coming Year a year to remember. We can smile more, complain less, be more tolerant and forgiving. We can examine our own faults instead of those of others. We can Pray More, We can Hope More, We can Achieve More! Once we have offered our hearts to you, life will never be quite like it was before! Once you have seen the Child. AMEN Submitted by Tom Leach, New England Conference President of United Methodist Men **Once You Have Seen the Child by Mary Kay Beall
- Pastor Phyllis, you sow more seeds in God's garden than you know. We are blessed to have you in our lives.
