I long to see the fruit of my labor.
If I understand correctly, my job as a minister is to plant and water. Plant and water...plant and water...
God brings the increase; the fruit.
I play a role in this process. I beleive God works through me and others as we continually plant and water. Plant and water...plant and water...
It is nothing I have done to ripen and produce mature fruit. And yet, it is God working through me - as his agent, his "sub-contracted vine dresser" - to facilitate much of this process. Water...Water...Water...
I shared with some friends today my frustration with not always experiencing the fruit of my labor in tangible ways. So often I wonder if my seeds are taking root at all. I yearn for the sight of some plump, juicy fruit. And still, I plant. Plant...
This afternoon I received a message from a former student. I have not talked with this person since I pulled her aside - five years ago - and expressed my concern about some of her life choices. This had been a bold move on my part - I did not know this student very well. She did not like what I had to say, and communicated her disdain for me quite clearly. Much love was lost through that rocky interchange.
So I thought.
Today, this beautiful wife and mother wrote to thank me for pulling her aside that day. Out of nowhere. After all this time. She is a different person now; mature...ripened. Turns out that conversation stuck with her over the years. It's as if it had been "planted" somehow into her subconscience. Planted...
Praise God for moments of grace like these. Thank you, Father, for the sweet succulence of ripened fruit. Thank you for sharing from your table.
More, please...
DB
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5 comments:
You are cool. :)
I love you.
Very inspiring, Dave. I think those of us in ministry need to hear these stories every so often so we don't lose heart. Thanks for sharing.
Cool story....thanks for sharing it with us!
Dude, I HANG on these stories! When you get one like this, treasure it!
The stories I enjoy out of my own ministry are hearing from my former students that they are entering youth ministry or the mission field. Occasionally, I'll get someone remember a lesson I did!
I hope you don't get sad stories like I do, too. One girl is already divorced (one year marriage.) Another was abused, already has two kids, and has run away to the south.
Carry these stories with you. They are important to life in ministry. Keep sharing!
Your phrase "water, water, water..." stuck with me. It's how we've been feeling lately I think. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you got a glimpse :-)
Bri
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