What Commends You?

That's a Scary question (at least to me): what commends you? If someone were to write you a letter of recommendation, what would that be based on?

Commend: to present, mention, to praise as worthy of confidence, notice, kindness, etc; recommend

Often we expect commendation for our feats of excellence - performing well at what we do. The Apostle Paul offers another measure of commendability, one that challenges at a whole other level. In 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 he writes,

"Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good works among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This "letter" is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts."

Clearly. You. Your lives.

PEOPLE are the measure of commendation.

How are the relationships in your life?
Your family and neighbors?
Your employees?
Those you serve?
Those you minister to?
Those you help?
What impact have you had?

Our letter of recommendation is all the good we have sowed into people, the quality of time, effort and content. Their lives reflect that and commend us. Or not. Makes me think.

I also draw comfort from the fact that the Corinthians were FAR from a perfect bunch (read 1 & 2 Corinthians for more on that), yet their lives are a testament of Paul's labor. There is hope for all of us!

And people are worth it!



Manure Stinks, but it Sure Brings a Good Harvest!

This morning I spent time in my garden, with help from my handsome older son, digging compost and manure into the soil in preparation for planting veggies.  I've been anticipating planting and harvest, so it was gratifying to shape and prep the beds, then watering the newly tilled soil.  Doing this will give me a better yield, nicer veggies for my fam to eat.  But you know, manure stinks.  When I purchased the bags of it, it filled my van with an....odor.  When I watered the garden today, it stunk. 

Sometimes it is exactly the stink that happens in our day, week, year, that is the foundational enriching amendment our lives are needing to kickstart a new, bountiful, beautiful harvest that we've been longing for. 

So, even if things around you are stinking, praise God!  Let Him work in your heart and use the stink to bring the needed change in the soil of your life.  It may not be pleasant or comfortable - we may even think we prefer to remain hard, dry, cracked and infertile - but deep down I believe we all yearn for better.

Here's to a new season, a fresh beginning, the hope of harvest.  I believe it's in you!