Doe the Nexte Thynge

"Do you find... your soul is scorched, terribly aware of your inadequacies, fearful of what is to come? Since God is still in heaven and His steadfast Word declares His love for you, just carry on and do the next thing. Take the next step of obedience. Do you worry how your children will turn out, what the future will hold for your church, how the finances will look at the end of the month? Resist the allure of self pity, and just take the next step of obedience. We are typically given enough grace just for the next step. Fret not about what lies around the bend. Perform faithfully the next step, and we will make it home safely in the end." - RAY VAN NESTE

This poem is often quoted by Elisabeth Elliot, but today I dedicate it to my mom who often tells me, "Do the next thing."

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Thrust them with Jesus, doe the nexte thynge.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, doe the nexte thynge

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, doe the nexte thynge.

Another Angel! This One Named Rick Singleton

Written on May 16th...

There is more than one angel driving a rental car shuttle bus. (See previous blog entry!) Today's angel was named Rick.

After a 3 hour drive to the Dallas airport this morning, I was feeling a bit tired and discouraged. I had to drop Woody off at the airport with all our heavy bags. I, personally, had to take back the rental car, since it was rented in my name. As I walked slowly and painfully to the shuttle bus stop, the driver saw me approaching. He walked out to help me, looked at me, and said, "You are so beautiful!"

I know I looked at him a bit strangely, wondering if he was really talking to me and if that is what he really said! He looked straight in my eyes and said once more, "I just HAVE to tell you that you look so beautiful!"

He kindly helped me in to the bus after we exchanged a few words. After the drive to Terminal D in Dallas, he wanted to help me find my husband. We couldn't figure a way he could possibly help me at that point. He offered me his cell phone to connect with Woody, but, sadly, I hadn't brought Woody's phone number along with me. Rick was sincerely apologetic, not wanting to leave me alone. I told him, "Don't worry. You've brought me joy this morning."

He said, "Oh, ma'am! I am SO glad, because I ask the good Lord each morning to allow me to be His light to someone in my day, and I knew He wanted me to bless you."

I asked him his name. "Rick Singleton, ma'am." When he, in turn, asked my name, he sighed with pleasure. "Susan! That is like a name from heaven!"

Once again, it was obvious he wasn't looking for a tip. He was just being God's special envoy for the day.

An Angel Named Jeff Andy

Written on May 12th...

Yesterday I ran into at least four angels. One was named Jeff Andy.

Isn’t that an interesting name for an angel?

As I stepped on the shuttle bus to go rent a car at the Dallas airport, the driver commented to me, “I’m a spiritual man.”

I was the first one on the bus, but as we made that short trip, Jeff Andy and I made friends and discovered that we were in the same spiritual family. The whole drive, even as the bus filled, the conversation everyone overheard was centered on our love of God. When he let me off, he said, “I’m not supposed to do this, but I cannot let you haul that luggage in to the center. I’ll take it for you. AND, can I pray for you?”

He was not looking for a tip. He was looking above.