Inhalt

.

All Bible quotes taken from:

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®

Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.®

Translated from German by Annette Spratte

Cover: © VercoDesign, Unna

Texts + Pictures: © Sharela Koch

Contact: sharela.koch@gmail.com

Preamble: how it all started

In 2015, everything started with an experiment on myself. Back then, I defined this goal for me: I didn’t want to be a Christian in theory. I wanted actions instead of hollow talk!

But what is the essence of Christians? Are they at all notable in every-day life? Is their life different from that of non-Christians? And how, as a Christian, can I get closer to God?

Following the slogan “Please be patient, God is still working on me”, I published my thoughts about “God and the world” in an online diary over the next weeks, months, and finally years. I shared anecdotes from my daily life with interested readers.

Using a pen name, I can tell you all about my personal experiences and views about faith without exposing my friends and family in a goldfish bowl. I am simply your next-door Christian.

In this book, I have collected the most popular blog posts of the past four years for you and completed them with private diary entries.

I’ll win this hands down – or hands up

Today, my act of charity consisted of thinking of others and praying for them.

By now, I regularly receive mails or little notes from acquaintances telling me what to pray for: for them, for sick neighbors, for the girl in grammar school … I’m really surprised at how many people would like to have prayer for themselves and their families.

Today, I took extra time off to follow up on my prayer list with total concentration. Apart from the rosary, the “5-finger-prayer” helped me not to forget anyone and bring all intercessions faithfully before God.

The 5-finger-prayer works like this:

In this prayer, the thumbs of my folded hands point at me. So first I pray for all the people close to me: friends and family.
The forefinger represents everyone who is teaching me something: teachers, trainers, my boss, doctors.
The middle finger is the longest finger, which is why I pray for all the leaders and decision makers who bear a lot of responsibility: e. g. governments, politicians, managers.
My ring finger is relatively short, so I pray for the poor, the sad, the sick and the weak.
Finally there is the little finger: it is very tiny and symbolizes me. So finally I pray for myself. This way I cannot forget anyone.

Dare to be good!

On the radio yesterday, I listened to a sermon about the grace of charity. They mentioned the sentence “to give until it hurts”. It wasn’t quite that bad for me today. My good deed didn’t even last half a minute. And yet I felt strongly that loving your neighbor might include doing something in spite of yourself. For the first time today, it really cost me some effort. And this is what happened:

I spent my lunch break in the city park and was totally absorbed in my book – until I noticed a woman quietly talking on the phone. First I didn’t think much of it. She sat calmly on a bench, was dressed nicely. Nothing peculiar. But after a while I saw her strange posture. She had twisted her upper body unusually in a different direction. I was irritated. Once in a while she would lift her hand to her face. Only then did I realize: the woman sat on the bench, crying silently. It would have been so easy to ignore her. I didn’t even hear a sob. For a moment, I even thought I was mistaken. So, what should I do?

I really don’t want to push myself onto some stranger. Especially not if she does everything to remain inconspicuous. And how would I react if I sat there crying? I really didn’t know how to act like a Christian in this situation. But it definitely could not be right to consciously ‘overlook’ someone.

So I took a package of tissues and when I went to leave the park, I walked over to her. I looked into her eyes and simply handed her the tissues as a sign of comfort as I passed by. I had not expected her ‘thanks’ and surprised smile. I hadn’t even hoped for it, but it showed me that it had been worth it to overcome my apprehensions.

My conclusion: dare to do good! It’s worth it!

God is the best coach: He motivates and presents opportunities

Today, I‘m really pleased that I can tell you about another act of kindness.

Those who know me are aware that I am chronically impatient and always pressed for time. Therefore, I‘m proud that I have ditched this overboard today. I have spent a lot of time with my former neighbor, whom I had met by chance while shopping.

I’ve known this elderly lady for years. But ever since she moved to an assisted accommodation, I hardly see her anymore. Physically she was as fit as ever. She left young people behind her on her bicycle. No e-Bike, to be sure! But when I talked to her, I was shocked at how confused and demented she seemed. The things she told me were often out of context and some of her stories appeared to be quite absurd. I really felt sorry for her, especially when she told me how many of her former acquaintances no longer invited her and told her to her face to shut up because she was nuts. At this moment, her mind seemed suddenly so clear and her consternation and sorrow were so real. So I spontaneously sat down in a cafe with her and simply listened to her for 30 minutes, no matter what she told me, whether it was straight or made-up.

When we said good-bye, her shining eyes showed me I had done the right thing. I’m glad I’ve taken the time and did not rush past her.

It’s great that God not only motivates me to do good deeds, but also provides the means to put my resolutions into action.

What you can learn from a pebble

Today, a perfidious thought crept up on me: does the world even notice my good deeds? Can I really fight all the evil in the world with my little actions and add to God‘s honor?

The answer to these doubts followed shortly. Since the weather was lovely today, I was wearing sandals. Sure enough, a tiny sharp pebble stung me. That’s when I thought: “If I can feel such a teensy-weensy stone that clearly, then my tiny good deeds must make an impact on my environment.”

Conclusion: constant dripping wears away the stone.

What does my faith have in common with Parcouring?

It’s fascinating how smoothly and acrobatically athletes seek, find, and create their ways in Parcouring. No barriers in the mind and seemingly no barriers in reality, either.

I was reminded of that by the many building sites on my way to work. I almost felt like such an athlete when I started to short-cut my paths over walls.

In relation to that, psalm 18 from the Bible fascinates me. It says that I can jump walls with my God. Today I did that, literally. And it felt awesome! I was happy like a little child!

Way too often I just stare at the obstacles in my life instead of discovering the paths and opportunities right in front of me.
It’s good that God has made me aware of that today.

God is our shepherd! And we cause work!

Today, I became aware of just how much time, patience, and effort God invests in each of us and the kind of trouble He is willing to put up with for us.

I passed by a herd of sheep and goats today. A shepherd stood in the freezing cold (temperatures in the forties are way too cold for my taste), a proud sheepdog by his side. The shepherd explained to me that sheep need a lot more care than goats. I hadn’t known that. I had never wasted a thought on it. But it made me think.

Jesus often compares us to a herd of sheep, whose shepherd He is. He never compares us to goats. No, Jesus compares us to time-consuming sheep.

I learned that sheep, which are known as herd animals, can be terribly stubborn and don’t always want to stay within the group. They are curious, like to explore their surroundings, and tend to occasionally run off – without considering the consequences. The shepherd’s work days are long. In the evening, he needs to move the electric fence so that the animals have fresh grass to eat the next day.

I’m really glad and grateful that through this meeting today I understand a little better how much God invests in each and everyone of us! He works hard so that we are well taken care of.

Meeting an angel

Today I have met an angel. Well, at least an amazingly positive person who fascinates everyone around him and makes them happy. This elderly gentleman is known throughout our town. I don’t know his name, but he is a phenomenon. That’s what I would like to tell you about.

This senior citizen says hello to every single person passing him, without exception, smiling and wishing them a good day. He waves at every driver. Despite his old age, he seems incredibly fit, always well-rested and cheerful. He’s never obtrusive. And definitely every person who meets him is smiling afterwards. They all look a lot happier.

This morning, I was lucky to meet him on my way to work. I have no idea when he starts his walk. He’s always up very early. When I saw him heading towards me from afar, my mood already lifted and I started grinning. I couldn’t help it. This happy feeling remained with me all day long.

God calls me by my name!

Today’s sermon was about God calling us by our names. There are several examples in the Bible of God calling his children by name. He knows every single person.

It reminded me how often I am surprised at events or parties when someone addresses me by name. It means that the person knows who I am. It makes me proud.

It’s the same in my relationship with God. I’m a small child of God among many small children. Despite of that, God knows me by name, he knows my sorrows, my fears, and my weaknesses, but also my childish joy. He takes care of me and I’m important to Him.

This knowledge gives me strength for the coming week.

Plan breaks!

Today, I had the chance to make time to pray the rosary. What a quiet start into a hectic week!

On days like this, I always have to remember the sermon of a priest:

He explained that one should reserve one hour per day exclusively for oneself. Only those who heed their own health are able to help others to live a healthy and happy life. And then he added: really, one hour EVERY day! One should only make exemptions on totally stressful, chaotic days. On such extra stressful days, one should reserve two hours for oneself!

I also heard in numerous business seminars that one should only plan 60 percent of one’s working time, because the other 40 percent fill up quickly with spontaneous, urgent matters.

I next to never manage to make plans for only 60 percent of my days. Perhaps that is the reason why I often work between 11 and 13 hours instead of 8?

Even if the statement of the priest seems to be a paradox at first sight, I believe there is a lot of wisdom in it.

God gives joy and pleasure

Today I have once again become aware of the meaning and necessity of saying grace.

How often do we consume food, media, or products in large quantities without thinking and without need? And without enjoying them?

My schedule was filled to the brink today and I hardly had time for lunch. So I caught myself wanting to thoughtlessly stuff food into my mouth while doing other things – simply to avoid my blood sugar running low and me keeling over.

How mean of me! Mean to my body which is supposed to be a temple of the Holy Spirit (1. Corinthians 6:19). Which I’m supposed to take care of. Mean to my mind which I wanted to deprive of the enjoyment of a fantastic meal. Mean to the farmers, bakers, and all the people investing their work effort into our food. I, too, worked for my food and earned it. Finally, it’s mean to my God who gave me the privilege of not suffering from hunger – quite contrary to many other people in this world.

When I thought about it, I felt really bad because I do so many things without thinking about them. Without enjoying the good things and being grateful for them. Not only food, but it is a part of it.

Therefore, I want to take more care to say grace before each meal, thanking God, and to enjoy other things I consume consciously, responsibly, and gratefully. In this way, even small things become great. Over time, one will be more humble, but also happier.

I’m not talking about abstinence, but about the conscious, intense, and grateful experience of everything good.

Surprising Strangers and Friends!

It was my plan today to surprise some people from my circle of friends. One friend, who unfortunately lives quite far away, became a mom for the first time last week. So I mailed her a small “starter parcel” today, containing a bib, socks, a romper and a cap. I also added some sweets for the nerves of the new parents, hoping the surprise would be perfect.

On my way to the post office, God gave me the unexpected chance to make a stranger happy. She was desperately searching for a coin to insert into the shopping cart. What a good thing I had a chip to hand. It even had a Christian message printed on it: “Everything depends on God’s blessing.”

Translator‘s note:
Shopping carts in Germany are chained together so that they can‘t be stolen. One uses a coin or coin-sized chip to retrieve a cart.

Shut up and learn to listen!

For the last few days, one Bible passage occupied my mind. In Chronicles chapter 14, we read that David almost always asked God and waited for His answer when important decisions needed to be made. We also read what happened when David forgot to ask for God’s answer one time.

I must admit that although I pray several times a day and try not to solely beg, but also to thank God, I have to wonder: do I really ask God’s opinion when making important decisions? Am I willing to listen to Him and then follow His advice? Am I even calm enough to hear God’s voice?

This question has rendered me quite pensive, because honestly? I know the precise answer. Most of the time I don’t ask God for His opinion. And even if I do, it takes quite an effort to actually follow His advice.

Faults and quirks? So what!

Today, I read an article about our modern society and the strive for perfection. This reminded me of something wonderful: have you ever heard of “Persian faults”?

These faults are intentionally woven into carpets by Persian carpet weavers. The reason: they believe that only God is faultless and perfect. These intentional faults turn every carpet into a unique piece and thereby render it immensely valuable.

A picture of such a beautiful carpet, into which the weaver has invested so much effort, time, and love, blossoms in my thoughts. It leads me to not wanting to be perfect. I want to be good. Yes. I want to pass on God’s love in this world. Yes. But I don’t need to be perfect and mainstream. Because God loves me unconditionally. No matter whether I’m a strong performer or not. No matter whether I’m fashionably clothed or not. It doesn’t even matter whether I can stand myself at the moment or not. God loves me anyway, despite or maybe even because of my quirks.

Invitation to a treasure hunt

Many people regard the Bible as a dusty old book with abstract texts and old vocabulary. I’m not going to make it that easy for you today. Here is a Bible passage from James, chapter 2:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.“

This Bible passage nearly knocked me flat! You can’t get any more explicit when telling someone off. It leaves no room for excuses or misunderstandings.

There is no doubt that it is important to pray. But praying alone is not enough. It reminded me of the Latin saying “ORA ET LABORA!” (English: “pray and work!”).

I’ll take a quick detour: during my studies and the associated exams, I still worked full-time. My fellow students had much more time to study than I did. This is the reason why I am so proud to have passed my exams with good results and to have made it among the top ten of my state. My exam preparations looked like this: right before the important exams, I took a few days off for studying, then joined a morning service every (!) day and studied for four hours each day according to a strict plan. I’m still excited that I passed my exams in this way. Without God’s help, it would have been unthinkable! For me, “ora et labora” was exactly the right way.

But let’s get back to the practicality of the above-mentioned Bible verse. It’s perfectly alright to take that passage literally and since the feast day of St. Martin is coming up shortly, I want to make room in my closet and will give all the clothes I haven’t worn over the past two years to the poor.

Perhaps my article today will also motivate you to clear out your closet and make others happy? Those could be poor citizens or perhaps refugees. It could be a neighbor’s child or an acquaintance who’s always envied you for a particular piece of clothing. Anything is permitted to give joy. Have fun on your treasure hunt!

Translator‘s note:

On the feast day of St. Martin it is remembered how the saint shared his cloak with a beggar on a snowy winter‘s night.

Someone ignited us with the flame of love!

Yesterday, I followed the ‘Nightfever’ service (church service, worship, and Christian exchange), which took place in Bonn. One statement from the sermon has stayed with me and seems to explain so much:

“You can’t explain religion and teach it in the common way. God cannot be explained. But: God can be felt and experienced.”

I think this is a vital point. As long as faith and religion only exist in theory, they have no effect. You have to love God, build

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Texte: Sharela Koch
Bildmaterialien: Sharela Koch
Cover: VercoDesign, Unna
Übersetzung: Annette Spratte
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 28.10.2020
ISBN: 978-3-7487-6255-3

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