Christians don’t have to be noticed by others to make a difference.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“When you’ve done everything you’re ordered to do, say,
‘We’re worthless servants.
We’ve only done our duty.’ “
Luke 17:10 God’s Word to the Nations

It was Saturday afternoon of the Holy Cross Men’s retreat and I decided to spend some time by myself. It was a warm, September day and I had hiked over a bit of sun-drenched trail. I was looking for a place that I could sit and do some thinking and praying about the Praying With The Eyes ministry.

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

God is doing an amazing work through the blogs, podcasts and photography workshops that are a part of this ministry, but I’ve been carrying the load by myself too long. I need other people to come along side of me so that this ministry can grow, and others can use their God-given gifts.

So, I found a place to sit, cushioned by soft pine needles. I sat in silence, wrote down some thoughts and prayed. After about 15 minutes I noticed this plant growing close to where I was sitting. The light was gently touching the plant. I stopped everything, took out my camera, and carefully took pictures.

But why did it take me so long to notice this plant? It was beautifully unnoticed by me and other hikers on this trail. It’s beauty wasn’t dependent on me, nor diminished by me. It was simply doing what God had created it to do.

Through Christ, we live our lives much like this tiny plant.  It’s okay if people don’t notice how beautiful we are. If I asked this plant what it was doing, it would probably answer, “I’m only doing what I was created to do.”

God calls us to do what we’re created to do. Each one of us adds beauty to this world. We might feel that the world doesn’t acknowledge us, it doesn’t have to, but God knows us. As the redeemed by Christ, we add beauty to life even if we’re unnoticed.

And that’s the way it should be.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner