Advent Conspiracy Devotional: Friday, December 17th

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

Reflection: I don’t know that I have heard or know of a better description of what it means to give the gift of presence to someone than to ‘share our lives’ with them.

            This is a great image of what it means to give someone presence, to share or make them a part of your life.  As a parent, I know that there are few – if any – things that give me as much fulfillment and joy as when my children are willing to share with me their lives. 

            Whether it is as simple as the favorite part of your day or what they want to be when they grow up or whatever random thoughts they might have at that particular moment.  I treasure each of the opportunities I experience one of my children sharing their life with me. 

            We know these things, but we often forget them.  We have a great power to give joy and love by the act of sharing our lives.  And there is no more effective means of sharing our faith in Jesus Christ than authentically sharing your life and letting your witness to God flow from that. 

Question: When has someone ‘sharing their life with you been particularly meaningful to you?