Devotionals

Over the Fence

by Anne Adams
05/22/23
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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16 (KJV)

Over the Fence

Jane was frustrated. After all, since she was proud of her carefully tended lawn and flower garden, she knew something was missing. And then she knew what it was – there were no flowers coming from the flowering vine she’d carefully planted next to the fence. Oh, there were masses of green leaves on the vine as it draped itself up the fence and over the top, but no flowers.                   

“Hey, Jane!”

Recognizing the voice of her friendly neighbor Joe, she turned to see him standing at the nearby gate between their properties.

 “I thought you were over here..” He said and continued, “Say, my wife has sure enjoyed the flowers you have on the other side of the fence here. She's had to stay in bed since the surgery and she can see them from her room. Come look!”  

Then when she stepped through the gate to the other side she saw it. Blossoms from her vine spilled over the top of the fence and down to the ground on Joe's side - flowers unseen from her side but obvious on his.

Then she understood. She'd unknowingly arranged unexpected beauty that she never knew about.

It's sometimes the same in my spiritual life in various ways. I might briefly smile and listen to a friend with a problem. Or maybe I follow a sudden mental nudge to try a new area of service. But no matter what I do it somehow my action may well affect someone else in a beneficial way, and I'll never know about it. 

Actually, I don't have to know, but in God's plans for me this but this implies that I must be conscious about the unseen effects of my actions as I serve him. Indeed, as Jane learned - the unconscious action may well have unknown - even eternal - effects.