Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:3-5

I am pleased to report that our daughter Naomi’s surgery (see, “Struggle Builds Character, Right?“) went well. We talked briefly Thursday evening, and she is uncomfortable but recovering. The procedure was – according to the doctors – “successful.”

Rebekah, meanwhile, ended up stuck in hours of torrential rains. She had to spend the night in Jacksonville, but was back on the road again – remarkably – before 5:00 am. She arrived in Orlando in time to see the children off to school.

Meanwhile, here in Wake Forest, the rain continues to come down. I haven’t seen the official numbers but I’d be surprised if we were not well ahead of our historical averages the first few months of 2023.

Unboxing Video:

While I don’t have my traditional “Photo Friday” I do have a unique contribution to the “unboxing video” genre. A friend in Massachusetts – Janice – sent my mother a “Prayer Quilt” and I filmed her opening the package.

This was particularly generous as Janice and I have never met. She reads my blog sometimes, and is gracious enough to post encouraging responses. She also shares my love for photographing nature and in particular capturing images of birds on the rare occasions they cooperate enough to sit still.

The quilt was made by members of the Wesley United Methodist Church she attends in Worcester, MA. “Each knot represents a prayer,” it reads, “that was said for you.”

My mum, as you can see from this video, was very moved.

Devotional Thought:

This is, in many ways, a turbulent and difficult world. But my opportunity, yours too, is to approach each moment in the spirit of Paul’s wonderful words to the church in Philippi: “Adopt the attitude of Jesus.”

It is telling, especially when you go on to read the balance of Philippians 2, that the most powerful and luminous being in and beyond the Universe approached life as a humble and grace-filled servant.

If we are to even begin to represent the mission of Jesus then we must start with grace, generosity, and humility of spirit.

So wrap yourself in love the same way my mum is wrapping herself in the quilt from the good people at Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester, MA….

Then go out and wrap some other people in love too – DEREK