Movers and Shakers
I was walking the halls of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville and noticed all the important people’s pictures that line the halls of each floor, along with a quote and the year of their stay at the GPI. That reminded me of a devotion I wrote earlier this year for “Room at the Inn” at the YMCA. It was a two-part devotion: one for the those serving and one for those being served. This is the one for those who served. . . (I’ll post the other one next.)
A group of three high school friends were riding around in a Jeep in Charlotte in the mid-80's. The driver had forgotten to do something really important and was trying to figure out a quick solution. He came up with a brainstorm, made a sudden U-turn and exclaimed to his two friends, "That's how ‘Movers and Shakers’ do it! They learn to think on their feet!" It was a candid admission that he longed to be known as a Mover and Shaker.
Most people love to be around those people we call the "Movers and Shakers"—people who have great influence or power or both. We enjoying being, knowing, or being known by such people. It's a natural inclination of our hearts to either be important or be known by those who are.
Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being an important person; however, what makes a person important in God's eyes? Movers and Shakers are certainly important to God, but what about the "Moved and Shaken."
What about those who have been moved—for whatever reason—from the plans they had for life? What about those who have been shaken—emotionally, physically, intellectually or spiritually?
Room at the Inn is often a place where we get the opportunity to know the Moved and the Shaken. They have names. They have stories. They long to be known by you, and they sometimes need to know that God is on their side.
Is your life different from theirs? Probably. That’s OK. Take this opportunity to serve them as Jesus would. Love them where they are. Encourage them.
Who knows but that it might actually be you who gets moved and shaken spiritually by those who have been moved and shaken by life’s circumstances and choices.
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)