Insignificant?

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

Zechariah 4:10 

 

Ask any deputy who knows me and they will tell you that nine times out of ten, I am packing some sort of candy (usually Tootsie Rolls).  There are lots of reasons for doing this, but the main reason is to let these deputies know that I care.  It's a simple act and even though there are those who will refuse the treat, they still know that I care.  

 

I may have mentioned this before, the focus of my Chaplain Ministry are the Road Deputies, "Boots on the Ground" as it were.  Why? Because they get to deal with all sorts of situations and are expected to have all the answers and solutions for everyone's problem.  They encounter people at their worst.  They are called names, have things thrown at them, they have been demonized in the media.  And all the while, they are expected to be nothing short of professional and courteous.  They are under a LOT of pressure and scrutiny, and they need a pressure release which is where my giant ears come in to play.  

 

I encourage these deputies to talk with me and I'll listen.  I encourage them to let their feelings out and I won't judge (not my place to judge).  I offer whatever wisdom and counsel God has given me through my own life.  Now, while that might seem small thing, it is really a huge thing.  Why? Because just being able to provide my ears, non-judgement, counsel and candy relationships are built.  And when relationships are built, the conversations quickly turn to friendships which allows for deeper conversations and learning from each other.

 

And to think God began it all with something as small as a Tootsie Roll.