...And Their Works Do Follow Them

Easter Sunday....I sat in church....not just any church, but the church I had attended for 11 yrs. The church that I first received Christ as my savior, I attended school, I graduated from, I was baptized in, I was married in, my children were dedicated in, where I was a youth leader, a choir member, where I said my final good byes to passed on loved ones, the church I watched burn to the ground. As I sat there looking around, remembering all the memories, picturing the old building, all the happy times, the people that were no longer with us, looking at the church members all grown up, starting their own families. I was sad at the thought of all the memories, the times I did not value like I should have until they were gone, they were just a memory.

As I listened to Pastor Thomas I found him naming all the people of the church that we have said good bye to over the years. There was one name...one name that gets a hold of me...grabs my attention ....cuts like a knife....Angela Hobbs. My mind immediately went to my children, the young adults they are becoming, and Ang is not here to see it, see them. Cameron and all his character, Morgan was just a baby, I know she would be so proud of Kayla. There is not a soccer game that goes by that I do not think, Ang would be so proud of you Kayla! I know she would be so proud of Joshua, the amazing husband, father, friend, and man he has become. Birthdays, holidays, milestones, all flying by, and she is not here to be a part of it. Then.....I looked over to see Hannah looking at me, I could see that she too was thinking of Ang, and although I did not know what she as thinking, it was clear to see she longed for the memories of Ang just like I did. 

It was then that I realized, this thought went so much further then my children...Ang's nieces and nephew. She had spent over 20 yrs of her life at this church, she was a part of the children of this church just like she was my children. She had known most of these children since birth, and although she may have only been a sunday school teacher or youth leader, she cared about these children as if they were her own. She prayed for these kids, worked with them, loved them. 

As I looked around the church, I saw all the children, Devon Married and about to have her own son. Jen, playing the piano, teaching children in VA. Jim leading the music and helping usher.  Hannah, all grown up, becoming a beautiful young lady. As I continued to see each and every child of the church I was over whelmed with the thought of how proud Ang would be of each and every one of them. Each child becoming their own individual adult, I knew she would be smiling her big beautiful smile if she was there to see them now.

In seeing the precious look on Hannah's face I realized the impact just one person can make. I mean I know the impact she made on my life and the people around me, but I had never stopped to see it in such a bigger picture. 

Revelation 14:13

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

I knew the truth of her works in my own life, but little did I see the bigger impact, all the works that were following. I have spent so much of my time wanting to do more, offer more, give more, be more, for my kids, my husband, my family, my friends, even a stranger on the street. 

Galations 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

I have read this verse many times, heard bible lessons on it, sermons on it, even taught on it. But did I ever realize that this is the something more? No I did not! Sure it sounds easy and just be happy and your good...but is not easy, and sometimes it is even hard. Ang, was all of these things, and even though I am certain there were times she let her emotions or anger get the better of her, she tried her best to be all of these things, led by the spirit.  

This is what made her the testimony that she was, this is what caused her to have such an impact on others, to leave people desiring to have what she had. Sometimes it is crazy to me to think that even almost 4 years later her works do follow. What is even harder to understand, mine and yours can do the same. 

So....do you show love? Are you filled with Joy? Do you have peace? Are you long-suffering? Are you gentle? Where is your faith? How do others see Jesus in you? How kind are you to others, even when you are having a bad day? Do you have self control? Even when something makes you angry or someone hurts your feelings? 

Two great truths came from this one sweet child's face on Easter Sunday that longed for the memories we shared. 

1. Losing loved ones is one of the hardest things we have to endure in our time on earth. However, seeing and knowing the impact one person can make, the works that follow years and years later....is encouraging, inspiring, and makes me want to try harder to be the person God has planed for me to be. 

2. Even if we are only here on earth for 31 years like Ang, the value is in the quality...not quantity. I should live my life striving to be led by the fruits of the spirit whether I have 20 yrs, 50 yrs, or 98 yrs on this earth, I do not have to be president, CEO, own a business, have a TV show, or be famous to make an impact for Christ on others. 

Our reactions, our spirit, our character, our everyday interactions with those around us....The impact we leave, the works that do follow...is up to us.