Today I received an email from a close friend of mine. He shared a story that really reminded me of how good God is to us and the people we are around. He wrote…
When I was in second grade, I began going to an art studio in my town once a week. After school, I walked to the studio. After my mom was done with work, she picked me up. This went on for years. The art instructor, Barb, allowed me to create whatever I desired and taught me all the techniques of painting, drawing, sculpting, etc.
Yesterday, for some reason, I started remembering Barb and the years at her studio. It was strange, because I’d forgotten about her for a long time. So I found her email address online and wrote a long, kind letter to her, explaining where life has taken me and how her influence has helped shape much of what I do.
It turns out it couldn’t have been more timely. Today, she replied:
Hi: Josh: God is good. On friday August 10, Studio 61 art for all ages is closing it doors for good. I am moving home to Plummer, Minnesota to be an art teacher once again. I will be living in my fathers house. It is a difficult move but hearing from you and that i have made an impact on your life will help me thru this difficult time. God bless you! You were always a joy to have around the studio. Love Barb
Sometimes the needs are unseen. Still, God uses our simple lives and ability to utilize His love to encourage the saints and attract the lost – usually without our knowledge. About Barb: I didn’t even know she was a saint :) God is good, indeed.
Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.
This reminds me of a passage that has meant a lot to me over the past few months. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says that “God manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (Emphasis mine, of course).
What a wonderful God who not only loves us, but allow us to express his love to other people who may be in need without our even being aware of it at times. How good He truly is.