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“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34 (ESV)

Glitter, glitter, glitter – there’s a little bit of glitter everywhere even though Christmas has been packed up and put away.   Who knew that glitter sticks so easily?  Regardless of my efforts to vacuum, sweep and dust it away, I’m still seeing glitter.  Just a little bit of Christmas lingering in the air.

While none of us want to find those tiny little slivers of shiny pieces after December, it would definitely be great to have some Christmas throughout our year. Now I’m not suggesting Christmas carols or holiday movies 365 days of the year.  I’m an after-Thanksgiving girl who doesn’t want to hear Jingle Bells until shopping on Black Friday.  What I do mean is I love the holiday spirit – every inch of it.

Amazing how kindness appears during those days.  Holding the door for someone whose hands are full of packages.  Baking a loaf of yummy bread for a neighbor.  Reaching out to those in need.  Wishing Merry Christmas to total strangers.  Paying in forward in the Starbucks line.

Wonder what our 2023 would look like if we were more intentional in caring about others?

Like those tiny slivers of shiny glitter, our human touch would stick everywhere reminding others they are seen by their Creator God.  Glimpses of His love and kindness would illuminate even the darkest of days.  Dismissing distractions and busyness for the sake of reaching out to those in need would be commonplace. The good news birthed in Bethlehem would become a reality to a world desperately in need of daily hope.

Sweet friends, what are we waiting for?

We have plenty of days in 2023 to really make a difference.  To leave an imprint on the lives of those God brings into our path. Our own agendas may sideline us if we aren’t intentional, therefore, we must seize divine appointments as gifts from our God to be stewarded. We will have incredible opportunities to introduce those we meet to the hope of Jesus which lives within us. It may be while we are serving in a homeless shelter. It may be while we are standing in line at Target. It could be while we are doing our normal eight to five.  It possibly might be while we are standing with hands raised in worship.  It even could be a moment when we are at our lowest.  Whatever the circumstances or timing, our reaching out and sharing at pivotal moments could draw someone’s heart to God.  What a joy it would be to play a part in seeing someone’s prayers answered.

The flipping of the calendar goes ever so quickly.  The moments of our lives evaporate fast.  Let’s choose to intentionally be the hands and feet of Jesus to our world.  Let’s sprinkle the glitter of God’s love all around us – leaving no one out.

“Father, help us to reflect Your love to our world.  Show us how to seize opportunities to serve others.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life