“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Among the many blessings in my life that I give thanks for are my parents. I was raised in a good home, with two loving parents. My parents have always been supportive of me and that has made all the difference for me as son, husband, father and pastor.
One of the things that reminds me of how supportive my parents have been is a small gift from my mom that I keep on my desk. When I was graduating from college with plans of entering full-time ministry, my mother gave me a small paper weight that simply said, “Youth Pastor.”
At first glance this paper weight may not look like much, be it truly was a statement of love, support and acceptance to me. I was in high school when I first told my parents that I wanted to work in the ministry. I don’t think that this came as a shock to my parents, but I am not sure it was exactly what they wanted to hear. Every parent wants great things for their children. My parents knew that ministry would be decision that would result in me earning much less than another professional career. My parents chose to embrace my calling and have been a blessing to me as I have followed God’s leading professionally.
There are many ways to show that we care for and are supportive of the people we love. Words of encouragement, quality time spent with our loved ones, or an act of service that helps to bless them are all ways that we can demonstrate our love. But sometimes the effort to purchase a small gift and give it to the one we love can say so much. When we give show that we have been thinking about our loved ones, and that we wanted to care for them. Every time I see that small paper weight, I know that my mom was thinking about my future and caring for me. There are many ways we can show our love for one another. Who are you thinking about today? How can you show your love for them?
-Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
