This past week I saw glimpses of God’s Kingdom. What am I talking about you may ask? First of all it  had absolutely nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. Nothing to do with commerce, tax plans, borders, boundaries, or talent acquisition. The glimpses I saw had to do with quiet, simple acts of kindness and generosity. Some of them happened in places no one was looking. Let me share four examples with you. Example one. Early this week we experienced a major clog in our kitchen double sink drain/disposal. It was my fault. I’d tried to flush down a huge pile of rice noodles. They got hung up in some grease on way down the drain. I plunged, took the under-the-sink PVC apart, plunged again, all to no avail. I called a locally renown appliance repairman. He happens to go to my church. I explained the dilemma to his wife who relayed the information to him. Based on his experience he thought it was a plumbing issue rather than the disposal malfunctioning. He told me to use two plungers. I only had one. He said “I’ll be right over.” He came over and in 10 minutes using boiling water, dish detergent, and bleach had it open. When I went to pay him he replied, “No charge. We love you guys.” Example two. I got an out-of-character text from a friend. He asked to meet me for lunch. I was a little nervous because his request implied something was going on and I wasn’t sure what it was. When we met he shared he had recently been struggling with panic attacks. In the middle of Wendy’s he bore his soul. He talked about his fears and stressors. I was able to encourage him and give him some resources to help cope. I’ll be following up regularly. Example three. For three hours  twice a month on Saturdays, fifteen or so people volunteer to hang out with children are physically handicapped so their parents can have time to recharge. These adults, all who could be doing other things, choose to  walk laps, paint pumpkins, play with sand, eat pizza, and whatever else it takes to help the kids have a great time. Parents return recharged and the children have a  great night with new friends. Example four. This week two Ashlanders relayed to me the account of how, for the past two years, they had  befriended a troubled individual in our town who was marginalized and distanced by others. These two Ashlanders determined, based on the leading of the Creator, to love this person rather than try to change them. They relayed that by doing this, even when it was difficult, they saw the individual slowly soften and begin to be more reflective and loving of others.

There you have it. Four short instances in the span of seven days that are reminders that in spite of all that looks dark out there, God is regularly using everyday people to shine his light. My advice, be on the lookout and choose to participate.