As I write I hear ringing. I've heard a lot of ringing today. But, definitely not as much as some people. A friend of mine, a pastor from another Methodist church in town, is attempting to set a world record for bell ringing for the Salvation Army. He started at noon today and is hoping to ring for 60 hours. Yes, 60 hours! He gets a 5 minute break to ear or use the restroom and he can accrue them if he doesn't use them. But, other than that, he must be standing and ringing. That takes a lot of will power.
He has a livestream going so that he has proof of the constant ringing. And, people can send him messages through it and he can respond. Why ring a bell for 60 hours? Well, I can't speak for him. But, I do know that 2 reporters stopped by while I was there, customers stopped to talk to Him about the Salvation Army and about his church, and he is raising money and awareness for the Salvation Army. I also see family and friends stop by, encourage him on the livestream, and bring him hot chocolate or other drinks. The store he's at has graciously offered him a spot in front of a fireplace and been great hosts.
To many, hearing the bells is a sign that Christmas is upon us. Children ask their parents for change and they proudly drop it in the bucket. To many, I think it's their first experience of giving to those in need- to understanding loving others at Christmas. I've seen what the Salvation Army can do to change the life of a family- to give them hope. And, sometimes, that is all they need to get them on their way to a better life.
So, it may be a ringing bell. It may be a few coins. This may be a world record. But, truly, it's so much more. It's hope for a family. It's hope for a community. To a child, or maybe even some adults, it's learning what life and love is all about.
So, where was God today? He's listening to the ringing bell and he's sending angels to watch over the bell ringer.
Blessings,
Jennifer
He has a livestream going so that he has proof of the constant ringing. And, people can send him messages through it and he can respond. Why ring a bell for 60 hours? Well, I can't speak for him. But, I do know that 2 reporters stopped by while I was there, customers stopped to talk to Him about the Salvation Army and about his church, and he is raising money and awareness for the Salvation Army. I also see family and friends stop by, encourage him on the livestream, and bring him hot chocolate or other drinks. The store he's at has graciously offered him a spot in front of a fireplace and been great hosts.
To many, hearing the bells is a sign that Christmas is upon us. Children ask their parents for change and they proudly drop it in the bucket. To many, I think it's their first experience of giving to those in need- to understanding loving others at Christmas. I've seen what the Salvation Army can do to change the life of a family- to give them hope. And, sometimes, that is all they need to get them on their way to a better life.
So, it may be a ringing bell. It may be a few coins. This may be a world record. But, truly, it's so much more. It's hope for a family. It's hope for a community. To a child, or maybe even some adults, it's learning what life and love is all about.
So, where was God today? He's listening to the ringing bell and he's sending angels to watch over the bell ringer.
Blessings,
Jennifer
No comments:
Post a Comment