Many years ago, I walked regularly with a friend around Antrim Lake in north Columbus, Ohio. We enjoyed the exercise and friendly conversation as we walked. The track is 1.2 miles around and walkers can go either direction. We usually walked around two or three times.

One day, on our first trip around, another walker passed us and smiled broadly. On our second trip around, the same walker stopped us and said to me, “Are you Mona Scott?”  She was referring to the then husband/wife co-anchor with husband, Doug Adair on Channel 4 TV News. I assured her I was not Mona Scott, but she insisted that I looked just like her! I smiled inwardly because the only resemblance that I could see was that we both were blondes!

Have you ever been mistaken for someone else? They say that most people have a doppelganger, and you may have found yours. But this incident made me think that the only person I really want to resemble is Jesus Christ. Yes, I see traits in my friends that I wish I had and would do well to imitate, but mostly I want people to see me as the hands and feet of Jesus in the things I do and say each day.

I want to be caring and helpful to those I encounter who have a need… holding a door, going to the grocery for an elderly friend, checking on or taking a meal a neighbor, taking out or bringing in a trash can without being asked. Even saying hello and giving a smile can be a precious gift. I have been on the receiving end of all these activities, and I know what a blessing they are! It is just being a kind and thoughtful person! Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you do to the least of these, my brothers, you do it unto Me,” So, when I perform a random act of kindness, I am doing something for Jesus! Isn’t that a great thought? In this world of selfish living, let us be unselfish. Let us keep our eyes open to ways we can serve others. Let us resemble Jesus!

Are you a collector?  By that I mean do you collect specific objects as you see and like them?  For example, I have a friend that looks for unique teaspoons that she displays in a wooden rack.  Another friend collects teapots of all sizes and shapes.  Frank loved lighthouses and boats.  I used to collect Precious Moments figurines, Noah’s Arks, Longaberger baskets and Cat’s Meow places I had visited.  It is great fun when you first begin, and when friends help you add to your “stash”.  Maybe you’ve even had hopes of your collection becoming highly valuable and desired “someday”.  That probably will never happen and it isn’t long before finding a place to display your collection becomes a problem.  You can only find so much room for baskets and boats!  Actually, while there is nothing morally wrong with “collections”, I have decided that beginning a collection of anything is the worst thing you can do!  At some point, it becomes necessary to get rid of your collection.  Family and friends are usually not interested in the things that were once important to you.  I tried unloading some of the above items at a garage sale one time and people didn’t even look to consider a purchase!  It’s pretty sad when you can’t even give them away!

         Most of us are such blessed people.  God has bestowed the comforts of life to us and frequently, we are not even mindful of what we have.  Why is it that we find difficulty in being content with what we have?  Paul exhorts us to be content.  “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation; whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength”.  (Philippians 4:11-13)

         Jesus taught us “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, whether moths and rust destroy and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moths or rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. (Matthew 6:19-21) 

           “Lord, let me be a collector of Your wisdom, a gatherer of Your grace.  Fill my reaching arms with Your love.  All the treasures I need are with You in Heaven”.