Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, while walking by a group of ladies, one spoke a little loudly saying: "I'm not just a warm body!" That heated comment in a small group was a few church gals; they probably had a few MORE comments but - what, for goodness sakes, is wrong with having a 'warm body'? Don't we all have a warm body? If we take a moment to THINK ABOUT IT, we're all "just warm bodies" doing various acts of volunteer service as unto to You, Lord.

Nevertheless, that comment brought to mind warm bodies in our congregation who serve without a thought of recognition.

Just thinking about our congregation, Christ made us one body - so we are 'warm bodies[1]'connected to each other who pray, prepare and teach classes, arrange and rehearse music, make coffee, wash dishes, change diapers, buy toilet paper and tissues and paper cups. Some clean churches, some also paint walls, make repairs, print the bulletins, visit shut-ins', arrange flowers, polish pews, prepare foods, decorate the church, take out trash; oh my - the list could go on and on.

Lord, You know that we all are so grateful for each other and the countless acts of service performed by one another in our church family – each one – with their warm bodies, doing his or her part to serve, You, Lord, and the whole church body. We need to pray that we notice those with warm bodies and remember to express our gratitude for each person's contributions to the upkeep and service of our church. That was an interesting observation/remark we heard; we thank You, Lord, for making us to be one body of individuals connected to one another.

Love, Mara.

[1] GOD'S WORD® Translation In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.