A Standing Ovation

Today was a luncheon that culminated a year of me and one of my dearest friend's presidency in an organization that puts on a once a year, 1000 ladies luncheon. "Women for Christ" (www,womenforchrist.org) also has a luncheon just for members each May. Today was that luncheon. We hosted it at a la-de-da country club with a beautiful view of the river, ancient oaks full of swinging moss, massive white columns, and a wait staff in crisp black and white uniforms. For an hour and a half we were rich in; fellowship, food, and elegant surroundings.
The Speaker (Mary Glynn Peeples) was funny,poignant, wise and real. Her word pictures will stay with us and painted a winsome picture of God's love and grace.
Mary Glynn authored a book "All We Like Sheep" and to date it has sold 53,000 copies. She explained to us that as "sheep" we need a Shepard. Sheep without a Shepard just scatter. Sheep have to be led not driven. And people really are just like sheep.
Isaiah 53:6 (New King James Version)
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way

As I was preparing to go forward and close the luncheon the still small voice of the Lord spoke to me and reminded me that Jesus had said in His Kingdom "To be the greatest -- be a servant". Matthew 23:11
I glanced all around the room and the waitstaff was poised ready to serve us dessert. Then it dawned on me that in the Lord's eyes they were the big shots.

Two nights before I attended a concert by the Jacksonville Orchestra on this club's lawn. At the end of the production the crowd stood and gave the maestro a well deserved standing ovation.
And so not knowing how it would as they say 'play Peoria' I reminded the fine Christian ladies in attendance of Jesus' organizational chart and asked them to please stand with me and give the servants a standing ovation. You have never seen so many St. John's suits a-rise. The applause was loud and long. There was a shift in the room and immediately we all understood that for a tiny island of time in our week we had visited the Kingdom of God.
"Wish you were here."