Monday, March 23, 2009

Outside the Camp

Chambrel has a beautiful campus with three different ponds. There are two mallard ducks and one white duck that live here permanently. We call them the Chambrel ducks. However, in the Spring and Fall, many ducks arrive here for a short visit.

In walking this morning I noticed many visiting ducks. Most of them were mallards, but one stood out from the rest. It had what looked like a red beak rather than a yellow bill, a green head and multicolored feathers. Yet, it was readily accepted by the other ducks. I think there is a lesson here for us humans.

Lets think about the people that make up a Christian Church. People all over the world who believe in Christ and follow His teachings. The Church then is the CAMP ; The family of God; The household of Faith. In His last instructions to the disciples, Christ called on them to love one another as he had love them. John 17:21-“My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart just as you & I are, Father.”
Christ’s love and power flows out into the relationships in which we live. This then is the calling of the church. Let us practice loving each other. “So let us go out to Him, beyond the city walls.” Hebrews 13:13

Here at Chambrel there are people of every walk of life. Most are very cheerful and friendly and kind. For reason we don’t know, a few are grumpy and never smile . But when you offer a friendly word and a big smile , you will find most people will smile right back at you. Acceptance and kindness is something we can give to each other, and it is a gift that everyone can afford.

Love Others
God let me spread a little cheer,
Erase a doubt, cast out a fear,
Lend a prompt and willing hand,
Be there to listen and understand,
Let me be filled with thoughtfulness,
Love others more, my own self less
And lighten hearts with a smile or a word
Too seldom given, too seldom heard.

3 comments:

steve mitchell said...

I like your poetry. Accepting others in spite of differences is good for all of us. We are all different is some circle.

Lisa Smith said...

There is such blessing in living in unity and love with all people as Jesus did. He accepted all people rejected all sin. The perfect example.

love you xoxo

Rose Ann Mitchell said...

I agree. God created us ALL in His image.