Reflections by the Sea: Watching

By Betsy Ore Glass

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12 NIV

All across the beach and on docks, there are birds just sitting and watching. On the bridges, they will line up on the rails, facing the same direction. Maybe they are sunning themselves or standing against the wind. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it together and in harmony.

When our lives are so busy that we don’t have the time to observe around us, it is time to slow down the pace. We can be used by God to do service for Him but first we have to see where there is a need. Are the elderly neighbors okay? Maybe the mother at the grocery store fumbling with change to buy milk needs a few dollars pressed in her hand. The homeless woman sitting on the bench looks hungry. At the office, perhaps there is a co-worker who is in emotional pain and needs someone to speak hope and kindness over them. I believe we should always be watching for opportunities to help and serve. God charges us to love and acts of kindness shows His Love. To give and not be boastful about what we have done is all the better. To serve and do it quietly, without recognition or praise is the Christian way.

In my daily prayer each morning, I ask God to use me. I do my part by seeing and watching where I can be useful. Many times, an act of kindness leads to a conversation and it is there that we can talk of God’s Goodness and Promises to share with others.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com or read additional Reflections at www.betsyoreglass.com.

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