Sacrifice or Reward?

I am a selfish woman, somewhat lazy and wasteful with my time.  I constantly must ask forgiveness for self-centered thoughts and words.  I would rather be reading a good book than finishing chores.  I would rather ride than walk, sit than stand, float than swim...you get the picture.

Having been gone for a week, there is a car to unload, suitcases to unpack, and stuff to return to its rightful place.  Yet, I sit here reminising and recalling words from this past week that made such an impression on me.  Snippits of lectures and conversation drift through my head, taken from people who have dedicated themselves to learning and the ability to enrich others with the Word.

Attending the Christian Training Series at Freed Hardeman University is a precious week for me.  Being able to serve others by working in it may be the sacrifice, but the reward far surpasses any effort put forth on my part.  I am in awe of the number of talents displayed at CTS, how so many speakers can inspire me to better thoughts, actions and endurance, leaving me with a desire to learn more of spiritual things, learning to serve in better ways, learning to share the love of God to everyone I come in contact with.

I watched a couple work tirelessly for the success of CTS, living on little sleep but always with a smile on their faces.  I thank God for Sam and Phyllis Hester.

I watched other staff helping, serving, working on behalf of others.  I thank God for their tireless devotion and loving spirits.

I watched as a sister in Christ spoke of her loving dad, dying of cancer, who would not let her stay home to help him but urged her to attend the series he loved, knowing her spirit would be renewed and knowing his spirit faced a safe haven with the Lord.  I thank God for Mary Ann, her family, her dad Sammy.

I watched and heard voices raised to God in song day after day, blending in harmony so pleasant and encouraging to the ears.  I thank God for the ability to praise Him in song.

We all have a choice.  We make them every day.  We choose where we want to go, what we do, what we say.  You can choose to spend your time and efforts in entertainment, comfort and vanity.  Or you can choose to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of love, praise, the Word, the blessings that abundantly abound from the fellowship of your Christian brothers and sisters. 

I thank God for CTS, Christian Training Series at Freed Hardeman.  You should, too.