Yes, it is.

It was a crisp 48 degrees this morning. That time of year when the residue of a hot day or two remains, but the trend is fully toward hoodies. Shorts cling to the apparel stubbornly, since once the jeans come on, they remain until spring.

The sky is clean, sharing space with a wisp of a cloud, dotted only with stars and a planet or two. Such an amazing way to begin the day. A true sense of peace and serenity to be found, embraced and enjoyed regardless of what remains on the schedule for the rest of it.

Changes one’s perspective on things when you let go and peer into the heavens if but only for a moment. An altogether different source of sustenance and energy.

Gonna be a great day.

And no matter what challenges it brings, its all gonna work out.

Yes, it is.

For serving them is truly serving yourself.

We are all a part of a much bigger purpose. 

Take a moment and reflect on just how many are involved in this event. 

Despite that fact, we are all just bit players, none more important than the other.  Each role that we play in this worldly act can have a tremendous impact on those all around us.   Appreciating and honoring our role in the grand production called “life” and how our performance can help or harm those around us is the true essence of humility. 

Humility is the trait that allows those that serve to lead to raise the level of those around them, by genuinely making it all about them. This is not as easy as it sounds.  This requires letting go – a surrendering of a portion of your self  – so that others may rise to their potential.  It means that you might have to learn to do without something you cherish, so that those around you can have it for themselves. 

“Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself.”

Charles H. Spurgeon

Ultimately, humility is one of the most powerful building blocks of a servant approach to leadership. It establishes a lasting and powerful connection between individuals. And it is through that sustaining linkage, that a powerful bond is not just born, but grown.

A true leader not only understands but embraces the importance and value of those around him.  Everyone has a role to play, and none should be diminished in order to raise another.  Those that need raising cannot be brought up due to whim or fairness. That elevation needs to be earned, and the effort genuinely recognized. 

When it comes to humility, as Pastor Spurgeon offered, much is made of “making the right estimate of oneself”.  What is making the right estimate of one-self?  Does it mean that you should not have confidence in your abilities?  That you should try any less?  That you are not worthy?

No, on the contrary.  It simply means that you recognize your role and that without others – with their varying abilities and talents – you cannot fulfill your true potential.

Thinking of them more never means you think less of yourself.

For serving them is truly serving yourself.

Live.

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4

“How long, O LORD?  I cry for help
 but you do not listen!
 I cry out to you, “Violence!”
 but you do not intervene.
 Why do you let me see ruin;
 why must I look at misery?
 Destruction and violence are before me;
 there is strife, and clamorous discord.
 Then the LORD answered me and said:
 Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets,
 so that one can read it readily.
 For the vision still has its time,
 presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
 if it delays, wait for it,
 it will surely come, it will not be late.
 The rash one has no integrity;
 but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.”

Incredible faith and wisdom begotten and initially shared about 612 BC. Eight of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Fitting words for the moments we find ourselves at these times.

The timing is astounding and the message comforting and soothing.

The vision does still have its time. It is moving at its pace towards recognition by more and fulfillment for all.

And most of all, it will not disappoint.

Keep the faith.

Live.

Your deeds.

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

— St. Francis of Assisi 

Perhaps it is a smile. 

Some eye contact as you wait or pass.

A pat on the back. 

Your hand on a shoulder. 

A hug, handshake or fist bump.

Opening a door. 

Some kind words. 

“You first”!

“How can I help you?” 

“Can you please help me? I would appreciate it.” 

“How is your day going so far?” 

“Let me get that for you” .

“Thank you for your help.” 

“I really appreciate that.” 

“You did a great  job.” 

“Have a good rest of the day!”

“Take care.”

“See you later!”

At first blush, all of these “deeds” might seem kind of inconsequential. Random encounters and interactions with strangers or those you might have seen once before.

Seemingly irrelevant. 

Wholly trivial. 

Smallish in terms of impact and meaning.

Perhaps.

But most likely, only to you. 

To those on the receiving end? 

Such “deeds” might be the biggest, the best and the most affirming things to have happened to 

and for them in a very long, long time. 

So whatever you do, do not skip your sermon today. Or any other day for that matter. Your thoughts, words and deeds may be the only personal contact they have had in days. Weeks. Months.

Even years. 

So be at the ready to deliver your sermon each moment.

The congregation needs it.

Your deeds.

Semper gratus.

“Gratitude is far more than expressing a ‘thank you’ or being genuinely appreciative for the things you receive and the opportunities that happen to come your way. The word “gratitude” directly reflects its Latin origin, gratus, signifying a state of thankfulness and good will for things we receive, whether those are acts of kindness or general blessings in life. Delving even deeper into state, you come to find its Latin foundation, status meaning condition or position. 

Thus gratitude comes to be an actual state of being. A mode of conducting one’s life positioned to embrace an attitude of gratitude.  Semper Gratus. To the extent that it may become a sensational status comprising physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements that evolve to remain within.  This level of belief and conviction serves as a constant, loving reminder of the grace you have been given, not once, but many times and more to follow.  

As much as we try to isolate, none of us is an island.  We are all linked inseparably by our needs to one another.  Not one of us is truly self-made. We all owe our aspirations, advances and accomplishments to the presence of others in our lives, whether ongoing, fleeting or a coincidental happenstance. This is true for those we have come to know through our fellowship here as well as the one we ultimately need of  divine origins.  

In fact, being that His presence is a constant in our lives,  His grace acts to connect us with those we need, who somehow grow into and become a part of us. Whether we want to acknowledge that or not, we should never forget that there have been so many who have helped us along each and every step of the way.  We can never overlook the fact that more will come to do the same. 

Through the grace of His beck and call. 

Always and in all ways. 

Semper gratus.