| QIC: @Michael Bolton
2 PAX: 2 men fought warm comfort of the fart sack to get out in the gloom and get better. @Michael Bolton @McDreamy Warm-up: stretches on back of truck The Thang: 6.2 mi mosey through the beautiful land West of the Ashley; https://www.strava.com/routes/23217286
Good conversation was had and fitness was improved. COT: What’s Your Leaf? Paint Your LeafIn his short story “Leaf by Niggle,” J. R. R. Tolkien describes a kindhearted, perfectionistic painter who failed to complete the landscape that became his life’s work. Because he was kind, Niggle often helped his neighbors rather than work on his painting. And because he fretted over details, he only managed to paint the first leaf on the first tree. He died with apparently little to show for his life. His “one beautiful leaf” was placed in the town museum “and was noticed by a few eyes.” But when Niggle entered the presence of God, he found a surprise waiting for him. Tolkien writes, “Before him stood the Tree, his Tree, finished . . . its leaves opening, its branches growing and bending in the wind that Niggle had so often felt or guessed, and had so often failed to catch. He gazed at the Tree, and slowly he lifted his arms and opened them wide. ‘It is a gift!’ he said.” Do you wonder if the things you weren’t able to finish because you were doing good to others possess any value? Paul concludes his long chapter on the resurrection by promising that your works will follow after you. They will result in God’s reward, so “always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As with Niggle, you may feel that you’ve barely “gotten a leaf out.” But God will incorporate that leaf into His “transformed” creation (vv.51-53). He will fill you with the joy of His presence, surrounded by the most beautiful landscape you could ever imagine. Like a master artist adding depth and color to the squiggles of a child, so God graciously includes our efforts in the world He’s building. So go ahead, paint your leaf! —Mike Wittmer MORE: Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 to learn what will happen to our works that aren’t eternally significant and valuable. NEXT: What’s your “leaf”? What will motivate you to work diligently on it, regardless of success or failure? Announcements: Get with @Lizards Thicket by Feb 12th if you will be having Oysters at the Oyster Roast on Feb 22nd. 1st Qtr convergence at #indigorebellion on March 14th @ 0700 Get to a 3rd F opportunity. Thursday evenings with the #extendedstay guys and Fri Morning at SeaCoast @ 0500. TAP’s: Prayers @Mcdreamy and family as they adjust to life in SC. For Carmine in my small group, getting Heart surgery this AM. For @JoePa & @Falcon for the spirit of fear to leave their street and for their children to feel safe in light of the recent shooting.
SYITG, MichaelBolton
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