By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

HOWEVER, before I share that thought, I’d like to say this.  My good friend David Hatcher, over these nearly twenty years, has faithfully shared these ‘thoughts’ with countless others via email.  He began this of his own accord, and I have always been grateful to David for helping me share some good with our world.  David met Jesus face to face this past Saturday morning.  And while I rejoice for him, I would also love your help in reconnecting with the many with whom he had been sharing by email.  If you or someone you know was one of those blessed individuals, please send me your email address to be added directly to my list.  And keep David’s family in your prayers.  Funeral arrangements are set for Thurs. March 12 at Cuba Baptist Church.  Visitation at 10am and service to begin at 11am.  Burial will follow in the Clay Memorial Cemetery.

Now, a brief ‘thought’ for you.  The photo I’ve attached is one I took a few years ago while we were in New Orleans for a few days.  I got out one morning and walked several blocks up and down in the French Quarter and around Jackson Square.  What I want you to see is how basically deserted it looks and how clean the streets are first thing in the morning.  Workers have been busy clearing out the trash and washing off the streets and sidewalks from the hustle and bustle of the previous evening.

A place that some have described as “Hell on Earth,” New Orleans does have some particular reputations.  To experience New Orleans in the evening is quite different than experiencing New Orleans first thing in the morning.  It almost seems like two different places.  Alas, it is the same place, but with two different faces.

I pray that none of us live that way.  Is the person that others see in you first thing each day the same person they see in you in the evening, and vice versa?  Are you consistent in your love for the Lord, witness for the Lord, and life lived for the Lord?  Would the world look at us one evening and not wish to see us the next day?  

Yes, life requires washing up and cleaning up the trash on a daily basis.  But, believe me, it’s worth it.  New Orleans, despite the troubles therein, can be a beautiful place.  I believe that also applies to us.  What side of you will the world see this week?

Just a thought.