The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Card Party

Today we had our second annual card/letter party at our house after Sabbath School and Church. It is a time to join together to minister to those in need in the local or larger community through words of encouragement. There is so much to learn about God's Kingdom in this time of ministry. Class, age and education boundaries desolve. Some look up Bible verses. Some draw pictures. Some write messages. Tools include markers, crayons, pens, pencils, sissors, glue, glitter, etc. The only commonality is the love and caring in the hearts of those particpating. Some (mostly the men it seems) are so worn out from the cares of the week that they are enjoying the bright sunshine, blue sky, singing birds and unseasonably warm temperatures here in the Ozarks by "actively resting."And I, well, I'm typing about it to tell you, then I will be helping where needed.

What a great example of the Kingdom of Heaven, as shown in His people on earth. The Kingdom of Heaven isn't some mystical, prophetic future time of universal change, it can truly be seen here and now. The Kingdom of Heaven can be within you. If we spent more time working together toward the common goal of showing God's love to others, we'd spend alot less time looking at each other and noticing the flaws. As in the card/letter party, many tools are available for our use from God. He has counted His resources and found He is not wanting. Like the people making the cards, all the tools are equal. No one gift or talent is any more important than any other. We head in a direction opposed to God when we start comparing our gifts to those Christ has given to others. As Jesus showed us, at times it is even appropriate and necessary to take time to rest. Each person has been given the tools for the task that God has called them to at that moment. It was so wonderful to hear each card creator receiving praise and encouragement from all the others. No making fun. No "mine is better than yours." At times it would be nearly silent as the concerns behind the cards were shared. At times ripples of laughter broke the calm surface and spread throughout the house. All in one accord working for a single purpose - sharing and speading God's love. It can't get much more Kingdom Like than that.