Recurring things get my attention.
I often have Pandora’s ‘Relaxation Radio’ playing softly in the background while working here at my desk. One piece I always enjoy is a smooth, thoughtful accoustic guitar styling of ‘Let It Be Me’. At some point I must’ve hit the ‘thumbs-up’ icon, because it’s a rare week I don’t hear it at least once.
Half-listening to it yesterday, some new thoughts began emerging. “I bless the day I found You, I want to stay around You . . .” The other half of my brain kicked in about then, remembering “I Miss My Time With You” . . . “I need to be with you each day, and it hurts Me when you say you’re too busy–busy tryin’ to serve Me! But how can you serve Me, when your spirit’s empty? There’s a longing in My heart, wanting just to be a part of you, it’s true—– I miss My time with you.”
Needless to say, I got a little quiet for a minute or two.
“Lord, if there’s someone You can use to lift and encourage another today?
Let it be me.
Let me be that one . . .
—who cares when others don’t or won’t.
—who prays, then in a few days follows up on it.
—who remains a loyal friend, no matter what.
—who cheers and encourages.
—who looks for the praiseworthy in others.
—who dares to love fiercely.
—who is passionate even while being patient.
—who always wants God’s best for you.
I could keep adding to the list, but you get the point. In a culture fractured by self-interest and ambivalent toward anyone else, God still issues the challenge, “Who will go for our side? Whom do I send?”
I don’t – won’t – speak for you. I do believe our crazed American social scene will most effectively be healed in one way: you and I being God’s best kids, impacting others one by one in ways that lift them and please Him.
Saying that, I make no case for laying yourself open to hurt, abuse, and being used by those who’ve made a lifestyle – even built careers – out of squeezing the hearts of good people. Part of the passionate patience to which I refer above is learning to wait on God’s timing; and listening to His prompting.
Oh, yeah. And maybe the next time you hear “Let It Be Me”, it’ll make the message a little more special.
© D. Dean Boone, January 2020