Investors . . .

Friends are the dividends of investing in people!! That came to my mind tonight as I sat thinking about the many friends my family and I have. This fact has become evident through the recent days of my dad's sickness and surgery. Friends have come from everywhere to offer their love and support. What a blessing they've been.

My parents have always been investors! They were (and are) their pastor's biggest supporter. They are the people you feel comfortable calling day or night if you have a need. They are the best neighbors one could ask for. Dad mows yards of neighbors who never thank him or seem to notice. He knows that they are unable to do it, so he takes the job on as a mission. Mom helps the neighbor's children with their homework and bakes yeast rolls for everyone who is sick or discouraged. (Who would want to get well as long as you were getting supplied with Mary Jane's rolls!)

Dad, for many years, ran the church van on Sunday mornings, even though the church didn't own a van. "Bro. Jerry, would you come pick us up?" was the common sound of a Sunday Morning voice on the phone. Dad would load up the car with a family from Oak Grove and transport them to and from church. I don't know if he got a lot of thanks but he didn't do it for thanks! He was making investments in the kingdom.

Mom's sewing machine has mended many an outfit for friends and neighbors. I can remember people bringing outfits that were worn almost beyond help and mom would work magic with her fingers and the needle. The clients would leave with a rescued outfit and a warm heart. Sometimes they would insist that mom take a little money for her work but most of the time it was written off as an investment for the kingdom.

The children at church would fight over who would get to sit on mom's lap during church. I can still see them racing to the pew where she sat. What is special about Mom? Well . . . if you could find her name in the dictionary the definition would read "one who is kind, loving, sweet, compassionate, and caring." That's my mom!

Mom and Dad, even though now in their 70's, are still investing in people and the kingdom. They've learned the secret of living the fulfilled and content life: Loving God and Loving Each Other! The dividends have really paid off in this life, but the big payoff is yet to come in the eternal life ahead.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for teaching me the importance of kingdom investing. It's already paying off!! It' also something that I'm trying to instill in my daughters.

Are you an investor? If not, why not let go of some of your giving and extend it to someone who needs it. You'll find the payoffs very rewarding even for generations to come!