With the passing of the anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, I was struck by a particular video that came across my social media feed. It was of this man who works at the memorial of 9/11, cleaning the pools by the memorial showcasing all those who died during the attacks.
Racking up over 42 million views, James Maroon tells his perspective of working the night shift as he cleans the pools of the memorial. Something he said really stuck with me — “When I’m cleaning the pool, I think most of the time I’m thinking, did I do this well?”
We all have that thought in life don’t we?
Lord, am I doing this well? Am I living for you? Am I a “good Christian?”
While none of us are truly good (only Jesus is!), we do wonder…how can I be better at this? How can I live a life worthy of my Savior who gave His for mine?
This Sunday Pastor Jason shared with us that every committed and covenant relationship comes with privileges and responsibilities. I thought about James Maroon who cleans those pools every night, and how he takes this responsibility very seriously. You could tell from his words that there is a real pride in his work, and while some would see it as just “cleaning a pool,” he sees it as so much more. I have to wonder if that’s why it went “viral” — because looking at the comment section, everyone was inspired by this man. They were inspired by the reverence he had for his work.
At the end of Sunday’s message we talked about being a friend of God. This is honestly one of my favorite things to talk about. If you and I were sitting down for a cup of coffee, I would gladly discuss this for hours and hours! Because becoming a friend of God, and being a good friend to Him, is one of the main goals of my entire life.
I consider friendship with Him my greatest treasure. And I love how Pastor Jason pointed out that Abraham was God’s friend, and this came with responsibility, but also some beautiful privileges - like knowing the secrets of God. Like hearing Him, and seeing His plans play out and being a part of that. Like sitting at His feet and just spending time with Him.
I want to be a good friend to God, whatever that looks like. And I think what I saw in this story of James Maroon highlighted what it means to be a good friend — you take it seriously. When that person asks you to show up for them, you show up. When they share with you something they are fearful about, you pray. When it’s their birthday or a special event, you are the first one there. That’s a good friend, right?
In John 15:14, Jesus says “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” So when God calls us to obedience, if we love Him as deeply as our best friend, it really shouldn’t be hard to say “yes.” Because at the end of the day, we want to do what pleases Him.
His opinion, His desires, His thoughts…they carry the most weight.
As we reflect this week on being a friend of God, I would encourage you in your quiet time to ask Him this question: Lord, what could I do this week that would mean the most to you?
And once He tells you what that is, do it with your whole heart. Don’t hesitate, but instead, walk in faith knowing that He will provide everything you need to keep going. See what even a small bit of obedience will do in the hands of your awesome God. It’s all about being a good friend to Him, because that is who He is to us.
Racking up over 42 million views, James Maroon tells his perspective of working the night shift as he cleans the pools of the memorial. Something he said really stuck with me — “When I’m cleaning the pool, I think most of the time I’m thinking, did I do this well?”
We all have that thought in life don’t we?
Lord, am I doing this well? Am I living for you? Am I a “good Christian?”
While none of us are truly good (only Jesus is!), we do wonder…how can I be better at this? How can I live a life worthy of my Savior who gave His for mine?
This Sunday Pastor Jason shared with us that every committed and covenant relationship comes with privileges and responsibilities. I thought about James Maroon who cleans those pools every night, and how he takes this responsibility very seriously. You could tell from his words that there is a real pride in his work, and while some would see it as just “cleaning a pool,” he sees it as so much more. I have to wonder if that’s why it went “viral” — because looking at the comment section, everyone was inspired by this man. They were inspired by the reverence he had for his work.
At the end of Sunday’s message we talked about being a friend of God. This is honestly one of my favorite things to talk about. If you and I were sitting down for a cup of coffee, I would gladly discuss this for hours and hours! Because becoming a friend of God, and being a good friend to Him, is one of the main goals of my entire life.
I consider friendship with Him my greatest treasure. And I love how Pastor Jason pointed out that Abraham was God’s friend, and this came with responsibility, but also some beautiful privileges - like knowing the secrets of God. Like hearing Him, and seeing His plans play out and being a part of that. Like sitting at His feet and just spending time with Him.
I want to be a good friend to God, whatever that looks like. And I think what I saw in this story of James Maroon highlighted what it means to be a good friend — you take it seriously. When that person asks you to show up for them, you show up. When they share with you something they are fearful about, you pray. When it’s their birthday or a special event, you are the first one there. That’s a good friend, right?
In John 15:14, Jesus says “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” So when God calls us to obedience, if we love Him as deeply as our best friend, it really shouldn’t be hard to say “yes.” Because at the end of the day, we want to do what pleases Him.
His opinion, His desires, His thoughts…they carry the most weight.
As we reflect this week on being a friend of God, I would encourage you in your quiet time to ask Him this question: Lord, what could I do this week that would mean the most to you?
And once He tells you what that is, do it with your whole heart. Don’t hesitate, but instead, walk in faith knowing that He will provide everything you need to keep going. See what even a small bit of obedience will do in the hands of your awesome God. It’s all about being a good friend to Him, because that is who He is to us.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.