Devotion - Wednesday, September 18

There is a sampling of "Devotional Classics" which I read years ago and have since given copies to various students.  The material was also used for our fall retreat in 2010.  In it, the editors acknowledge the variety of ways in which Christians express our piety.

Reading the collection allowed me to realize that my prime expression of piety is service.  There is a reason why I am involved in the CROP Walk for Hunger.  There is a link between my relationship with God and my interest in obtaining equality for LGBTQ individuals.  And it is understandable that I would see the work of Habitat for Humanity as an effort pleasing to God.

This morning we begin the 20th Homecoming Habitat house.  Over the next 10 days we will frame, roof, hang sheet-rock, and vinyl.  It is an amazing thing to see. It is a testimony to the spirit and the desire of the student community to be of service.

I will have fewer one-on-one pastoral visits over these next two weeks.  Most of my comments will be instructions on how to drive a nail or where to cut an opening for electrical boxes.  But God's Word is being spoken in the midst of each such comment; God's will is being done as every student is allowed to see how their efforts are transforming the lives of a neighbor.

Keep the project in your prayers.  And pray for the time when all of God's children will have a good, decent home.  And if service isn't your prime expression of piety, stretch yourself in that direction just a little.  Come out to help us work on the house.

You can watch our progress at http://www.clemson.edu/webcams/  - Select "Bowman Field from Holtzendorff.