Luke tells us an interesting story in Acts 14: “Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.  But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.  When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith , and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.  And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”(Acts 14.19-23)

She turned 80 a month or so ago.  She has no living relatives.  She was struck with polio at age 6 but was able to work for the FBI for over 40 years.  She now suffers from restricted lung disease.  She was admitted into the hospital earlier this week – I think it was for a nosebleed, but I’m not sure.  The morning before I visited her she had fallen out of bed and fractured her hip.  Yet all she wanted to talk about was how much she appreciated my visit and – most importantly – how good God is.  And all I can say is an attitude like this is such a wonderful gift from God … God at Work.

I will call him “Bo”, though that is not really his name (and, yes, I do remember his real name.  I just think it’s best if I do not use it).  I was taking my usual morning walk a week ago today.  Our HOA had put little flags in everyone’s yard for the Labor Day weekend, which they also do for Memorial Day and Independence Day.  My habit is to wave at everyone who passes by, whether on foot, in a vehicle, or, as in “Bo’s” case, on a bike.

It is very easy in our faith life to become “surface-surfers” and nothing more.  Life is busy.  There are many distractions.  And, more often than not, going beyond simply is not a priority we consider.