Romans 12:7a NIVfind myself communicating a lot this past week. I adopted Savannah Hope on Tuesday. She is a precious little thing. The newest kitten in the family.
Savannah spent her first night with us. The next morning, I was playing with her, and I thought I saw something move on her. Well, let’s leave it at that! I was scared and angry. I adopted Savannah from the same place I adopted Mercy & Grace. I was particular about the cat's health. Make sure she has no fleas; I have two other cats, and this could be disastrous. Well, lo and behold, you got it - this kitty cat has fleas. I was so overwhelmed. I drove immediately to the vet and had Mercy and Grace treated for the flea exposure. Luckily, they were not playing together. On the contrary, they were on opposite sides of the house, hissing and having spit fights.
So why this story? Well, it's Thanksgiving eve!
The Bible says that each of us has been given gifts from God. Many different gifts but the same Spirit, Glory to God! In my overwhelming, emotional state, I called my sister crying. It's the day before Thanksgiving, and we have fleas!
I have a new adorable kitty cat that I don't know what to do with. You see, my brother-in-law, a.k.a Dr. Doo-Little, is a master at taking care of kitties. He has rescued many, housed them, lost some to disease, but not once has he given up on any of these little creatures.
In my desperation, I asked my sister if she could come up to the house on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and have Dr. Doo-Little "un" flea Savannah.
Of the many gifts dispersed by the Spirit of God, I am always amazed at the gift of Service. The gift of Service is a behind-the-scenes gift; it does not announce, “Here I am. Look at me, see what I am doing.” No, this gift in operation reminds me of Jesus walking on earth. Jesus went around with words of life. He healed many, and then just slipped away in the crowd. No attention sought. It was an act of kindness to someone else.
My sister tells her husband, Dr. Doo-Little, that I was crying and in need. So what does a person who operates in this gifting look like; how do they respond? They pack the pork shoulder, throw the turkey breast in a bag, drive from New Jersey, in the middle of the precipitation (snow by my house), and arrive at my home the day before Thanksgiving to help! Help who? To help me!
He spent hours in the bathroom with Savannah, removing this infestation from this precious little tiny creature. In the morning, Savannah and Mom were doing much better. Oh, it does not stop there. Dr. Doo-Little got up early in the morning and drove two hours, round-trip, to pick up my dad and bring him to my home for Thanksgiving dinner. You see, originally we were to have Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house, but they did not consider it an inconvenience to pack up, drive in the snow, and come to my rescue instead.
By the way, Dr. Doo-Little's real name is Marty. In the middle of all this, Marty lost his dad the week before.
So this Thanksgiving, I want to give thanks to the Lord for Marty, for his selfless act of service.
BTW, help me wish him a Happy Birthday. Yes, his birthday is just a few days away. Happy Birthday Marty! God is so Good!
This Thanksgiving, thank someone who is always serving, a behind-the-scenes person. Let them know how much you appreciate God working through them!
