Slow-Motion Spill

So, I'm standing by the check-in desk to drop the kids off for their service this morning at church. Coffee on the desk, half-gone already. And I'm not sure what happened, if I picked it up and loosened my grip or what... but the next thing I knew I was watching it fall. For whatever reason, I kept replaying the scene a few times during the middle of praise and worship (sorry God) and wondering; why didn't you grab it mid-air before it landed? You didn't even make an attempt to save it. You just watched it plummet and empty itself

For years now, we've prayed every Sunday for a day of effectiveness and efficiency regarding the ministry efforts of the church and the advancement of the kingdom of God. Yet this morning, I pondered...

Just how effective are the negative events, actions and words in our lives because of our inaction? We watch tragedy happen, sometimes in slow-motion, thinking we should intervene and yet, as if we are frozen in time, we don't respond. At all, let alone, before the coffee hits the floor. I know this. That was a great cup of coffee. And I was bummed to have lost what I was in the middle of enjoying. How much more important things are there in this life, that are much more tragic because of my inaction? What about you? What about eternity? Are we watching as if life is moving in slow-motion? My youngest celebrated another birthday today. I can assure, life is absolutely not moving slowly, let alone in cinematic slow-motion likeness.

Pray this #effectiveSunday, that we would not be those who simply watch life pass us by, up and over. Pray that we would see opportunity to intervene and interact in ways and words that will change lives for the good of humanity and eternity. May we not get frustrated and discouraged by the temporal things such as spilled coffee. Pray we not be effective nor efficient at being lazy and unproductive, but engaged and encouraged to speak and to share life with the hurting and the dying.

For as the Word of the Lord gives life
So should the words of our brothers and sisters
Strengthen and encourage said life.
For the glory of God.

- PNC