A Conversation with God

(Twila Belk)

As I think about God, I often wonder what I can do to make Him smile. One day I had a conversation with Him about that. It went something like this.

“Lord, You bless me in so many ways. What can I do to make You smile?”

Here’s what He impressed on my heart.

My Child,

I love your desire to bring Me pleasure. Here are a few ideas for you.

When hatred, anger, and negativity pervade the atmosphere around you, be the one who communicates the truth with love. Be the one who conveys kind words and shows grace and mercy to those who think differently than you do.

When the media fills the airwaves with messages of doom and gloom and causes people to despair, be the one who speaks words of hope. Be the one to remind others of who I am.

When people on all sides of you are disgruntled and grumbling because of any number of reasons, be the one who expresses and exhibits gratitude. Be the one who praises Me no matter what happens.

When the road ahead is covered with rough patches and leads to unknowns, be the one who trusts Me with all her heart and acknowledges Me in all her ways.

When you or your friends, family members, and acquaintances face impossible-looking circumstances, be the one who aligns her thinking with the size of her God. Be the one who prays big prayers. And be the one who remembers that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine.

Above all, be the one who loves Me—the Lord your God—with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And then be the one to love your neighbors as you love yourself.

My response? “Yes, Lord, I want to be the one, but I’ll need Your help.”

“You’ve got it, Child,” He said.

What about you? Have you asked God what you can do to make Him smile? What did He say? How will you answer?