Fellow Workers

Today's post is a little unusual. I usually plan carefully, organize my thoughts, write, revise, edit...this time my emotions are just so full, I must share my heart. Today was a work day for the Women's Ministry. We cleaned the parsonage where our new youth pastor and his family will be living. I worked along side women who probably have NO IDEA how deeply I love and cherish them. And God used them to touch my life today. I was overwhelmed by their willingness to work so hard and so long on really big and really difficult tasks, dirty smelly jobs, as well as simple, little menial tasks. I saw women work even though it hurt. I saw women work until they were drenched in sweat. I saw team work and unity. I heard laughter. I saw love, and I saw servanthood. Some of the things I witnessed had me in tears as I ate lunch with my family.

Then after lunch I did some of my homework for Community Bible study. We're studying Philippians still, but we're only in chapter 2. We've already learned much about servanthood and humility and have talked much about unity. Today there was an added aspect for me. It was the depth of love Paul and his "fellow workers" and fellow "servants" had for one another. And in several passages within Paul's epistles, the talks about the "work" of the Gospel. I don't know if I'm making this all come together and make sense to anyone, but everything I read described so vividly what I experienced today with those six special women of my church. They were doing just as Paul longed for the Philippians to do. They were humble, willing servants - doing the WORK of the Gospel and God's Kingdom - doing it without arguing or complaining. They operated in unity, they were one in spirit and purpose. When I read the Scriptures in which Paul called other believers his fellow workers, I thought of them and felt honored to be called a "fellow worker" to these servants. I love them so much! I sincerely love serving our King with my fellow workers.
I have experienced Phil. 1:3 today regarding these ladies! Every time I tearfully remember them, I thank God for them. If any of you who worked with me today read this, thank you for being an example to me of humility, servanthood, unity, and love. You are a picture of Christ to me.