Yesterday was a day of representation... it was the theme of the day. Probably no different from a lot of other people. In fact I would say that much of what any of us did yesterday was for, or on behalf of, someone else. I had the opportunity to walk with a friend through the courts and speak to the magistrate on their behalf. I made a request for help for one who would not make that request on their own. Later in the day I became a mediator/facilitator/coordinator of situations and paperwork between individuals, organizations, and corporations. I had the opportunity spend time with dear friends to listen and share with them as their Pastor. Before you say, "Let go of the ego!" think about all the things you did for another yesterday. If you only served yourself, then there's a real problem.
I am surprised at just how much people will attempt on their own without seeking help from God or from others. The fact is we all need help from time to time. We all have the need for someone walk beside us, hold us up, stand in the gap, even represent us whether we like it or not. I was reminded as I read today in the book of Galatians (chapter 3) of God's promise of Christ to redeem us from the curse of sin. Jesus is the only One worthy and capable of representing us before the throne of judgement. It's strang to me how so many will live life thinking they will never have to give an account for their life... or ignoring this reality. For me the greatest benefit of my life being represented by Christ means I have been made free to live a newness of life now. Is Jesus Christ representing your life?

Today was a day of visiting. I was able to make face to face contact with several within the community by attending a monthly Chamber of Commerce event. But I was also able to visit a few individuals from the Crossroads congregation. One visit imparticular was with an elderly gentleman who was not short on stories from his life. It was good to hear him share of his experiences... I've learned to appreciate and value these stories, becuase in them are nuggets of gold that help me in my own life's journey.
A story told to me today was one of true perseverance and determination. When trying to make a visit with a dear friend, this gentleman became stranded in a snow storm. Originally he believed to be a half mile away from any help, but it turns out that it was a much greater distance. Walking in the snow with very little protection he continued to make his journey to find shelter. A few times he felt like stopping to rest, but he knew that hypothermia was setting in. Stopping would mean certain death. "Sometimes," the gentleman said, "you've just got to have the guts to push through." By the time he reached shelter his legs were frozen from the knees down... he still suffers from that exposure some 60 years later.
My reading took me to Romans chapter 5 today. I'm reminded how God pushed through for us. Jesus gave his all knowing the alternative would be our spiritual death with no possibility of being reconciled before God. Believers in Christ are not quiters! We have a hope that gives us the determination and "guts" to push through anything that comes our way.