EGGSEMPLARY DEVOTION

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 136

Anybody remember those old Geico commercials from about ten years ago? The one with the camel wandering through the office?

Caleb the Camel: “Uh-oh! Guess what day it is? Guess what day it is! Huh? Anybody?... Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike! What day is it, Mike?”

Leslie (looking like she’d rather be anywhere else): “It’s hump day.”

Caleb: “Woot! Woot! Hump Day! Yeah!”

Happy Hump Day, everyone.

Okay, admittedly, that has almost nothing to do with today’s entry—at least not on the surface. But you know me; I’m a bit of a goofball, and if I can’t start the day with a talking camel, what’s the point?

In reality, my Wednesday is a bit jam-packed. My "To-Do List" currently has more items on it than there are hours in the day, which is usually what happens when you spend a day traveling north to the Twin Cities to visit a member in the hospital. Like most things in life, the work we must do doesn't just disappear while we’re gone; it just waits patiently on the desk, inviting its friends over to join the pile.

But you know what? In my book, that’s just fine.

Since my day was crowded with pastoral chores, I decided to grab a quick lunch from the local eatery. Just as I was licking the last bit of thousand island dressing from my fingers (it was a Reuben with bacon—don’t judge me, it’s a protein play), a friend walked into my office.

She wasn't carrying files or complaints. She was carrying a couple dozen eggs.

I’m talking country-fresh, farm-raised, free-range, organic eggs. Now we’re talking! Honestly, she didn't have to do that, but it clearly brought her joy to share the bounty. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I am absolutely spoiled rotten as the pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church.

Many members in this congregation are just... well... eggsemplary Christians. (I’ll wait while you groan. You done? Good.)

In every congregation I've served, there are those standout souls who exemplify what it actually means to follow Jesus. It isn't usually in the flashy stuff. I see it in the "small" things: the way people serve, the genuine joy in their eyes, and the way they show up. In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul noted that

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

It turns out, cheerful giving looks like a lot of things. It’s not just dropping a check in the plate and calling it a day. It’s donating food; it’s checking on the homebound; it’s hosting a bunch of chaotic teenagers for youth group; it’s teaching Sunday School or VBS; it’s sewing quilts, serving on the council, or playing the organ until your feet ache. The list goes on ad infinitum.

Scripture tells us there is one Giver of gifts, but many kinds of gifts. We use those gifts to serve the church and one another. That is the calling. You knew that already, didn't you? (Don't answer that, it's a Lutheran rhetorical question.)

Here's the kicker: if you’re actually taking the time to read this blog, chances are you’re one of those "eggsemplary" types who serves with a cheerful heart. I’m not just blowing smoke up your backside because you’re part of my readership. It’s because I’ve gotten to know you. I’ve seen your hearts. I see the way you serve and the quiet joy you carry.

Today, I’m thanking our Heavenly Father for those of you who serve—and serve joyously. You make my calling worthwhile, and frankly, you make it a whole lot more fun.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, bless all Christians on this beautiful Hump Day. Bless all those who serve You and the church worldwide with joy in their hearts. Help all those who bear Christ’s name to be cheerful givers in every sense—not just with our wallets, but with our time, our talents, and even our breakfast. Amen.