Times Of Refreshing

I have a coffee cup given to me by my son, Jon, years ago, that’s inscribed with the following: “…that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, Acts 3:19.” As is often the case, such things move through my mind and cause me to ponder the possibilities of a wee story, another Harvillism, to add to my growing collection of It Occurs to Me pieces. This one is certainly no exception.

I don’t know about you, dear friend, but as for me, I need to have things to look forward to on a regular basis. Not that I require large organized happenings, but just little things that tend to bring moments of refreshing to my life. Things like having lunch with a few friends, or looking forward to reading a particular book, maybe just picking up a few things for my computer. Even a scheduled short trip to the market for salad fixings can be a time of refreshing for me. The list goes on and on. To me they are like little oases in a desert of mundane repetition in what could otherwise be dry, purposeless days.

However, that’s only a small part of what I mean by times of refreshing. Not only do I feel it necessary to look forward to and provide such moments for myself, but it occurs to me that I have an obligation to provide times of refreshing to others I meet. This doesn’t have to be an orchestrated activity. It can and should be a very natural thing and it isn’t necessary to know the person receiving refreshing from me. In fact, total strangers sometimes are the most fun; they don’t expect kindnesses from someone they don’t know. The next time you find yourself at the head of a long line at a check out counter, try giving up your spot to the person behind you. Helping a lady stack her groceries in the trunk of her car and returning the cart for her will surprise her with a mini moment of refreshing. How about giving that little waitress a double tip and brighten her day with an unexpected word of thanks and encouragement. I quarantee she’ll remember you next time you stop by. Try giving up a parking spot to someone even though you were the first one to find it. Little selfless kindnesses can equal blessings of refreshing all around. It’s just plain fun and satisfying to give away little bits and pieces of yourself to others, especially when it’s unsolicited.

My wife used to ask me why I always had to speak to everyone I met. Well, it’s just my way. I’ve always felt compelled wherever I go to say, “Good morning,” to everyone I meet, and especially it seems to strangers. I guess part of the reason I believe such things are important is because so many people over the years have blessed me with unexpected kindnesses that have lifted my spirits and changed the course of my day. They still do. I want to bless others in the same way.

In verses 31 to 40 of Matthew 25, known as His Olivet Discourse, Jesus tells His disciples what to expect in the last days. Whatever we do to and for each other, we are doing to Him. I think His heart of hearts is warmed when we are kind and tenderhearted to one another. Regardless of our levels of spirituality, we can never come close to His righteousness. However, when we are considerate of one another and forgiving, I believe the fragrance of Jesus is lifted to the Father and He also experiences times of refreshing.

Every so often when I pick up the cup my son Jon gave me years ago, and read the inscription, I am made aware again of my need for things to look forward to and I am convinced that times of refreshing originate with the Lord. Then and there, I promise myself again for the first time that I will bring a bit of refreshing to somebody that very day. Who knows, a kind, generous, thoughtful word or two from me may turn someone from a day of darkness into the light of a changed life. May times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord come to each of you on this quiet December afternoon. Blessings!