Today, at church, Pastor Max gave us some interesting ideas to think about as we listened to the story of the 3rd time that Jesus appeared to his disciples since he rose from the dead. John 21: 1-21.

What a powerful story we read about Peter and Jesus. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and then responds with the following response after each answer: “Feed my lambs,”  “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.”

Pastor Max had us think about Peter and how horrible he must have felt after denying Jesus three times.

It is in that statement that I found comfort and peace. As an oldest of 2 oldest children, I find myself trying to be perfect, make no mistakes, and just keeping everything inside and appear as those life is so easy and just right.

It is in that uncomfortable feeling in my tummy that I know that is not realistic nor is it what God wants from me. It’s that guilt. That shame of disappointment. I am just now learning that through the messiness that is life is where we find God and his lessons.

It is in the crazy that we find direction, wholeness, and peace.

It is in the rawness of being real and open to Him that we find God alive and working in our lives.

It is in love that we find the energy and the calling to keep carrying out God’s word.

That energy and that love will help us find peace and a wholeness in Jesus. In that love we find the energy to move forward to “Feed my lambs,”  “Take care of my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.”

God is not looking for huge endeavors to show love. You don’t have to organize a huge event to raise money for a cause. You don’t have to put in hours or work or energy to show God’s love. You don’t need to stay up late or get up early. Just be smart about your resources. Be smart about your time. Don’t work harder. Work Smarter.

Simply be an example. Hold a door open for someone. Smile at a stranger in the street. Greet someone you don’t know at the store. Compliment someone you meet during the day. Even better, give a compliment or a kind gesture to someone who drives you crazy each day. Buy a coffee for the car behind you. Pay it forward. Be the better person. Live in love. Live by example. Feed His sheep.

It is in this message I have grown this year. Be YOU! Nobody does it better! But be a positive you! Look around, There are always people around us in need. Even if we just lend an ear. Lend an arm. Give a hug. Tell them how important they are to you and to God.

Go ahead, Feed His sheep…