REFLECTIONS

June 8th, 2014

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

Sharing

Some things we just want to share. Such are the moments that have brought joy to our lives like the music of Randall Atchison as we watched his nimble fingers powerfully dance across his Steinway Grand. Whether the sounds are classical Chopin or hymns of

Amazing Grace, his music captures my heart and moves my soul into another realm of life. And it makes me want to share the experience so others may feel the joy too.

Then there are the sounds of David Tolley rippling across the keyboard like cool water peacefully flowing down the river below the cliffs of Laity Lodge. And there is Laity Lodge itself, the serene spiritual retreat center in the Texas hill country. There I have found peace—peace of mind, peace of God, and peace with God. I want to share these with others too.

One experience I have seldom shared was finding Jesus at Ceda Canyon as a young boy. I remember the emotion I felt as the love of Jesus entered my heart that evening at the youth camp. And He has remained with me since that beautiful night even in the times I tried to leave Him behind.

These are a few of the joy-filled experiences that I would like to share, but over the years many others have chosen to share their joys with us. There have been the joys of first loves like when Pat brought Jimmye to meet us for the first time. Or joys of new life like when Sharra and Haley sent pictures of their newborn daughters. And there are the mission trips we were told about that enriched lives of poverty in distant lands; but the true enrichment was in the transformed lives of those providing it. All of these brought such joy that those who lived them could not help but share.

Sharing the joys of life is itself one of life’s great joys. Yet sometimes we choose to keep them to ourselves. Perhaps we are afraid to share in fear of rejection, or perhaps we choose to keep them private by our pride of self-sufficiency. But why should we fail to share the greatest joy—the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

It is important to share our lives with others. When we share we bring a companion alongside, a companion to share the joy; but even more, a companion to share the message.

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org


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