I leave today for St Louis where I am performing a wedding for a young man who attended the church I pastor while in high school. He went to Maryville College where he met his soon-to-be-wife. His mother still attends the church. I will not be taking my computer so I wanted to post this before the weekend.  I actually wrote this while on our cruise and was waiting to post it this weekend.

My title for this devotion is People of Means vs People of Meaning.

While on the cruise we have met all kinds of people. Some I’d just as soon not remember; some I wish I could know more. We have seen rude people-push, dour, treating others like they are all that and more. I have seen impatient people. I have seen sour people. I have seen those who refuse to acknowledge even with a head shake. I have seen old folks in canes and walkers and carts. I have seen young couples in love. I have seen families-one we met on the train ride who were an absolute delight and continue to acknowledge us. I have seen a crude dude ask for a picture then give the finger to the photographer and then use salty language. I turned away in disgust. We have also seen a number of followers of Jesus take the time to pray for their meal. We met a couple from Houston yesterday on the train and are having supper with them tonight.

All kinds of people. Probably most like us-down home and ordinary. But I can’t help but wonder how many are hurting. Thinking of taking their life. Grasping at straws. Trying to save a marriage. Searching for meaning. Think they have the tiger by the tail.

Sad. The answer is right at their fingertips. Right on their lips. One Name. Jesus.

“Father, help me to never lost my heart for people. Even the disgusting or power hungry. The gay or the lesbian. The rich or the poor. The lost or the saved. Please give me a heart that always seeks yours and look for others.”