Where Did You Glean Today?

Advent Devotional by Dennis Batterman

And her mother-in-law said to her,

“Where did you glean today? And where have you worked?

Blessed by the man who took notice of you.”

So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said, “The man’s name with whom I worked today is Bo’az.”

—Ruth 2:19—

It was a dark, cold night in late December. I was driving to my parents’ home in South Dakota, and I had just one more hour—almost home. I was listening to Christmas carols on the car radio. Then the man on the radio started to tell the story of the person preparing for a visit from the Lord. According to the story, everything was ready. Several visitors came by. They were given shelter, food, and warm clothes to wear, but the Lord never did show up. Of course you all know what happened next. When the Lord was asked why He never came, his answer was, “Yes, I did.”
Just as the story was finished, and I was traveling the last few miles through the Indian Reservation, I passed a person walking along the highway bundled up like an Eskimo. Mother had always said, “Don’t pick up hitchhikers and be careful when driving through the reservation.” Even though Mother’s words came flooding into my head, I stopped and asked if he needed a ride. He happily hopped into the car . . . backpack and all. As he started to remove a few layers of clothes, I saw to my astonishment that he was an Indian, but it was too late to change my mind about giving him a ride.
As we awkwardly started to converse, we found out that we were both young elementary school teachers and that we were both going home for Christmas. What a pleasant surprise!
Why did I stop? Why did I pick up this hitchhiker? Why did I hear that story just before I saw the Indian on the side of the road?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us to recognize an opportunity to serve when it presents itself to us. Amen

Moments Lost

Advent Devotional by Sue Smith

“. . . man looks on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks on the heart.”

—1 Samuel 16:7—

This morning as I was cleaning up the kitchen after fixing breakfast for the Smith-Clements clan I was reflecting on how delighted Mom (Gladys) would have been with this family gathering. There probably wasn’t anything that she enjoyed more than having all her sons and daughters-in-law together. Then I’m also reminded of the times we could have done this, but didn’t and feel a certain sadness at the opportunities missed.
As we come to the Advent season it brings with it a time to remember to make the extra efforts doing even small things, to be thankful for a family gathering, to keep in touch with loved ones when miles or activities separate you, as well as remembering the time we have is granted by God and we need to use it wisely.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, may we always be conscious of the time given to us on this earth and use it in ways that will bring us closer to You. Amen