Shake and Shine

This week I was given a great opportunity to attend a women’s event called Festival of Tables. (click this link for a few pictures) This event had been described to me as incredible, unbelievable, beautiful, wonderful and amazing. Having now attended, I couldn’t have described it better.  Over 350 women came together and relaxed at elaborately decorated tables, enjoyed a meal and entertainment all the while being served by the men of the church.  It was an absolutely wonderful blessing.

As I walked into the room and first saw all the decorations and beautifully adorned tables, I couldn’t get over how magnificent everything was and how much thought and talent had gone into the table decor. Each table was unique to its host; ranging from elaborate wedding cake centerpieces to fine dining around the Eiffel Tower of Paris.  Some tables had running water fountains while others had angel wings and stars made of pages of pages of twirled music scores.  Women milled around everywhere, camera in hand, snapping pictures, meeting new friends, and squealing with excitement to see old acquaintances.  Hugs, chatter, laughter and an atmosphere of awe, wonder, and anticipation enveloped the room.

We were served a deliciously prepared meal as we were pampered and our every need was attended by the many men of the church dressed in crisp white shirts and stark black slacks.  Elegant dining music played in the background as we ate and enjoyed fellowship at our tables and we were entertained by beautiful renditions of Christmas carols and even an old, deeply moving Negro spiritual — which was amazing.  We were challenged and encouraged by a great message from the Word of God on how to deal with everyday problems and what seems to be a universal struggle with worry.  The great plan of salvation was opened to all in the room and although I have not heard a total, we know that some gave their life to Christ that evening and the Kingdom of heaven rejoiced.  There was nothing about the evening that wasn’t enjoyable.  Everything was catered to be a night any woman would love and a time to simply relax, rest, and be restored both physically and spiritually.

Every woman who attended came away with her own “favorite part” of the evening and I am no exception.  Although the decorations, entertainment and food were amazing, my favorite part was the “God-moments” I was given.  I met a sweet, young woman who is about to have her second child within a few days and this child is without a father for support.  She and I were able to talk about many things she was planning for her child and the healthy future she hoped to provide for this precious baby girl.  I was able to talk to her about Christ and her relationship with Him.  I made another friend that evening with a woman who has not been able to see her three grown children in years.  She will be spending Christmas without any family again this year.  She has no one.  I had the great honor of praying with her and encouraging her to continue to place her trust in Christ to heal and reunite her family.  I watched her as she prayed through the songs that evening and tears rolled down her cheeks.  I pray even now the Holy Spirit will breathe comfort over this dear woman.  Still another sweet lady I was able to pray with shared with me her deep desire to know how to love her husband more.  What a great desire and goal any wife can have!  Just as I have relied on Him myself, I encouraged her that the Holy Spirit can show us how to love and care for our spouses in ways that only He knows — in an intimate and individualized way.

God moments.  They are all around us.  Moments we will miss if we are not careful.   If we are serious about Kingdom work, we must be intentionally looking for opportunities to witness and reach out to others.  We really don’t have to look very far — God gives us these moments all the time.  With spiritual eyes and spiritual ears we will be able to see them in our day-to-day activity.  I could have easily gone to this great banquet and simply enjoyed a night of entertainment, food, and fellowship and missed the best part of the evening — the God-moments designed especially for me by a God whom I hope can trust me enough to send more “moments” my way.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matt. 5:13-16

Salt and light in the God-moments; Lord, help me to shake and shine during this Christmas season.