Who lives next door? That has not ever been a very tough question for me! For most of my adult life, I have lived in a neighborhood of single family homes - your traditional neighborhood. Urban living is quite different!
My street could possibly have 350 to 400 people living on it. Now - I like to know everyone on my street, so that is a rather daunting task! Well, I decided to tackle it a small bite at a time. I invited the four buildings to the north of me over for dessert and coffee yesterday. Out of a possible 17 possible guests (including 4 kids), I had 8 come. I thought that was a pretty good turn out! Most of these people had never met each other - even some of the people in the same building! It was fun to meet each one and to see them enjoy each other.
Among the group, there was a married couple who has lived on the street since 1993. It is second marriage so there is some yours, mine and ours in the discussion! Geoff's daughter grew up in Downer's Grove and as it turned out, graduated from high school with one of our other neighbors, Jennifer. What are the chances of that!?!
Next door to Geoff and Deb are two older men that have lived on the street since 1980, Jim and Kelly. They have seen a lot of changes over the years. They are both writers and political activists. Kelly is blind. He does remarkably well around here. He takes the train to work every day. I really admire that kind of spunk! They had some great stories and are a piece of Chicago history themselves!
Two buildings up from them is the building where Jennifer and Rebecca live. They just moved in October 1st. They are not new to Chicago but they are new to our street. They both went to the University of Illinois. They are the age of my daughters, so I loved them immediately. Rebecca teaches Phys Ed in the Chicago Public Schools. Jennifer works for a firm that does market analysis for the restaurant industry. They are beautiful girls who are full of energy. I look forward to getting to know them better.
In that same building on the 3rd floor are Ryan and Alison. They have been married for a year or so and are an adorable couple. We discovered quickly that we both love the Lord! It was so exciting!! Alison is an accountant so she and Alan got to talk some number talk. Ryan is a structural engineer. We look forward to spending more time with them and together, reaching out to our neighborhood in the name of Christ.
I invited the three buildings to the south of me over for next Sunday, so we will see who else we meet! I'm so excited to see what the Lord is up to.
The Lord has placed you on the street where you live for a purpose. It is no accident that you are in that house, in that apartment, in that place, by those people! Be an initiator! You don't have to do anything fancy. You can't get much easier than coffee and dessert. You may not become best friends with everyone you meet, but you also may come across a lifelong friend. You may encourage someone else to get out and meet some people. You might really get something started on your street!
The Lord loves and cares for all those who are around you. He could use your hands and feet to love on them. He could use your words to encourage them. You never know how much a small word of warmth and encouragement can make a difference to someone. There are a lot of great people out there. I don't know about you - but I want to meet as many of them as possible!
As far as I am concerned, the whole world is one big neighborhood. Let's all be good neighbors.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I love fall! It is especially fun when you live somewhere with distinct seasons and fall color.
The first "real" fall that I ever experienced was in New York. We lived there in the early 90's. I grew up in Houston, so I had really never seen fall color. I would be driving around NY and have tears in my eyes because it was so beautiful! I felt like I got to see a whole new aspect of my Heavenly Father.
I have also experienced a Colorado fall - spectacular!
City fall has its own beauty. Here is a glimpse of Chicago fall.
The sidewalks and the streets are covered in yellow and orange leaves. I think this foreshadows our heavenly streets of gold! There is beauty in every season of the year and in every season of life. I am so thankful for the beauty around me and the life that the Lord has given me. God's creation testifies of His goodness. Praise the Lord!
 |
| Ashley and Heather playing in the fall leaves in New York |
I have also experienced a Colorado fall - spectacular!
 | ||||
| My Dad and I in Colorado |
City fall has its own beauty. Here is a glimpse of Chicago fall.
The sidewalks and the streets are covered in yellow and orange leaves. I think this foreshadows our heavenly streets of gold! There is beauty in every season of the year and in every season of life. I am so thankful for the beauty around me and the life that the Lord has given me. God's creation testifies of His goodness. Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday's Thoughts
I've had the privilege of having friends here for the last few days, so my Monday Musings turned into Tuesday's Thoughts this week!
The Chicago Marathon was this past Sunday. Our friend Rocket Thompson came to Chicago to run the marathon along with 45,000 other people! That got me thinking about the very familiar image of life as a race that we want to finish well.
Training: I have watched Alan train for a marathon. It is tough! It takes a lot of commitment, time and thought. Everything revolves around that marathon when it is coming up. Rest, nutrition, running and planning all play a part. You can't just go out and run a marathon - but from what I saw, a few folks tried! It was an unusually hot day here last Sunday and if you had not prepared and prepared well, you were really hurting early on in the race. We watched the runners at mile 7.5. Some of them were really struggling with 19.7 miles to go! They had registered, they had their number and they got out there to run - but they were not prepared to actually run the race. You can look the part and not finish the race!
Mental Toughness: Runners deal with all kinds of obstacles on a regular basis - whether it is blisters, sore muscles or uncooperative weather. In a race, they have to choose what to focus on. If they start to focus on their blisters, the pain becomes unbearable. The more they think about it, the worse it gets. They may even choose to stop running the race if the pain overtakes them. There are also runners that have blisters but they don't allow their mind to go there. Excessive heat becomes a challenge to overcome. They persevere and focus on finishing the race. The goal ahead is enough to get them through the adversity.
Pacing: The ability to pace yourself is huge in a marathon. You have to know at what pace to run each mile in order to finish. If you start out too fast (easy to do with the adrenaline rush!) you will wear out and really slow down as the race goes on. You have to know your own body, stick to your plan and run your race. You can't run the other guy's race - you must run yours. They even provide pacers to help the runner's stay on their optimal pace so they can run their best race.
Support: Just imagine how many spectators there were with 45,000 runners! A LOT! I would say that most runners had multiple people there to cheer them on. When the going got tough, they could hit a mile marker and see the face of someone they loved. You could see runner's perk up and pick up their pace when they heard a familiar voice cheering them on.
The finish line: We stayed at mile marker 23 for a good while. At that point, the racers are told that they only have a 5K race left - just 3.2 miles. For most, I think that was very encouraging. There were a lot more miles behind them than there were before them. The finish line was looming and the race was drawing to a close. That extra push that was needed suddenly seemed possible. The winner was a man from Kenya who ran the marathon in 2 hours and 5 minutes. I imagine that last runner finished around 6 hours - maybe more. And yet - they both finished. What an accomplishment!
Training: What is the race that the Lord has set before you? How will you train to be ready for and to stay fit for that race? What kind of commitment and discipline is required? Do you merely look the part or are you the real deal?
Mental Toughness: What obstacles are you currently facing? How do you respond to adversity? Do you focus on the difficulty or embrace the challenge? Do you see your God through the eyes of your circumstances or do you see your circumstances through the eyes of your God? Do you keep your eye on the prize?
Pacing: What steps are you taking to run your race? Did you start out strong and then fade away - or are you committed to keep up the pace for the long haul? Who is your pacer?
Support: Who has the Lord placed around you to help you run your race? Are you allowing the body of Christ to be your support? Who are you cheering on?
The Finish Line: Hey - we are all heading toward the finish line. I don't know about you - but I want to finish strong and finish well. Unless I live to be 100 - I'm already past the half way mark. In order to finish well, I have to keep my eye on the prize - stay spiritually fit by abiding in the Lord - staying immersed in His Word and praying without ceasing. With all that in place, I need to be obedient to the race that God has called me to run. It is tempting to take my eyes off of that and look at another guy's race. Maybe I like theirs better - perhaps it looks easier or more exciting. The truth is, if I am looking at someone else's race, I will probably trip over my own feet! I must keep my focus on what the Lord has asked me to do. Each race is important - each race is unique.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Here's my goal:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2nd Timothy 4:7
Oh, how I long to be able to say that with my last breath.
The Chicago Marathon was this past Sunday. Our friend Rocket Thompson came to Chicago to run the marathon along with 45,000 other people! That got me thinking about the very familiar image of life as a race that we want to finish well.
Training: I have watched Alan train for a marathon. It is tough! It takes a lot of commitment, time and thought. Everything revolves around that marathon when it is coming up. Rest, nutrition, running and planning all play a part. You can't just go out and run a marathon - but from what I saw, a few folks tried! It was an unusually hot day here last Sunday and if you had not prepared and prepared well, you were really hurting early on in the race. We watched the runners at mile 7.5. Some of them were really struggling with 19.7 miles to go! They had registered, they had their number and they got out there to run - but they were not prepared to actually run the race. You can look the part and not finish the race!
Mental Toughness: Runners deal with all kinds of obstacles on a regular basis - whether it is blisters, sore muscles or uncooperative weather. In a race, they have to choose what to focus on. If they start to focus on their blisters, the pain becomes unbearable. The more they think about it, the worse it gets. They may even choose to stop running the race if the pain overtakes them. There are also runners that have blisters but they don't allow their mind to go there. Excessive heat becomes a challenge to overcome. They persevere and focus on finishing the race. The goal ahead is enough to get them through the adversity.
Pacing: The ability to pace yourself is huge in a marathon. You have to know at what pace to run each mile in order to finish. If you start out too fast (easy to do with the adrenaline rush!) you will wear out and really slow down as the race goes on. You have to know your own body, stick to your plan and run your race. You can't run the other guy's race - you must run yours. They even provide pacers to help the runner's stay on their optimal pace so they can run their best race.
Support: Just imagine how many spectators there were with 45,000 runners! A LOT! I would say that most runners had multiple people there to cheer them on. When the going got tough, they could hit a mile marker and see the face of someone they loved. You could see runner's perk up and pick up their pace when they heard a familiar voice cheering them on.
The finish line: We stayed at mile marker 23 for a good while. At that point, the racers are told that they only have a 5K race left - just 3.2 miles. For most, I think that was very encouraging. There were a lot more miles behind them than there were before them. The finish line was looming and the race was drawing to a close. That extra push that was needed suddenly seemed possible. The winner was a man from Kenya who ran the marathon in 2 hours and 5 minutes. I imagine that last runner finished around 6 hours - maybe more. And yet - they both finished. What an accomplishment!
Training: What is the race that the Lord has set before you? How will you train to be ready for and to stay fit for that race? What kind of commitment and discipline is required? Do you merely look the part or are you the real deal?
Mental Toughness: What obstacles are you currently facing? How do you respond to adversity? Do you focus on the difficulty or embrace the challenge? Do you see your God through the eyes of your circumstances or do you see your circumstances through the eyes of your God? Do you keep your eye on the prize?
Pacing: What steps are you taking to run your race? Did you start out strong and then fade away - or are you committed to keep up the pace for the long haul? Who is your pacer?
Support: Who has the Lord placed around you to help you run your race? Are you allowing the body of Christ to be your support? Who are you cheering on?
The Finish Line: Hey - we are all heading toward the finish line. I don't know about you - but I want to finish strong and finish well. Unless I live to be 100 - I'm already past the half way mark. In order to finish well, I have to keep my eye on the prize - stay spiritually fit by abiding in the Lord - staying immersed in His Word and praying without ceasing. With all that in place, I need to be obedient to the race that God has called me to run. It is tempting to take my eyes off of that and look at another guy's race. Maybe I like theirs better - perhaps it looks easier or more exciting. The truth is, if I am looking at someone else's race, I will probably trip over my own feet! I must keep my focus on what the Lord has asked me to do. Each race is important - each race is unique.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
Here's my goal:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2nd Timothy 4:7
Oh, how I long to be able to say that with my last breath.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Wow - it has been a good week. Absolutely beautiful here this week. The trees are changing and the temps are perfect. Loving it!
I went to a spin class today and the instructor (Rob) did a little Thankful Thursday spiel. Of course, he didn't realize it was Thankful Thursday but he just started stating everything great about this week. It was very cool because he had a bad week last week - and he was just trying to encourage everyone to hang in there if they were having a bad week because they pass - and good weeks come along. I just loved that. Thanks Rob for such a good reminder! Rob loves his wife and his daughters - I am thankful for that!
I got to spend the day with a good friend yesterday. It was such a fun time. Right now - Sheryl is my peer group so I am thankful for that!
I have friends coming to visit this weekend - Larry and Rocket Thompsom (Rocket is running the Chicago Marathon) and my dear, dear friend Dana Bishop. Wow - I am really looking forward to time with these dear friends.
I am missing my girls so much right now - I miss so many dear people, but missing my girls is just an ache. God is good to remind me all week that He cares about my needs and will provide for me. For now, phone conversations will have to do and I am thankful for daughters who like to talk to me!
I am thankful that Amanda, sweet friend of mine and Heather's, is pregnant! I got that news yesterday and I am just bursting with joy.
I am thankful that Jennifer Johnson Little delivered a healthy baby boy this week - Hudson.
I am thankful that E-girl got to go to Disneyworld to celebrate her 3rd birthday with her adopted family.
I am thankful that I'm not focused on provision - but on my Provider. I am thankful that I'm not focused on creation but on my Creator. I am thankful that I am not focused on religion - but on my relationship with Jesus.
What are you thankful for today? Send up the praises.
I went to a spin class today and the instructor (Rob) did a little Thankful Thursday spiel. Of course, he didn't realize it was Thankful Thursday but he just started stating everything great about this week. It was very cool because he had a bad week last week - and he was just trying to encourage everyone to hang in there if they were having a bad week because they pass - and good weeks come along. I just loved that. Thanks Rob for such a good reminder! Rob loves his wife and his daughters - I am thankful for that!
I got to spend the day with a good friend yesterday. It was such a fun time. Right now - Sheryl is my peer group so I am thankful for that!
I have friends coming to visit this weekend - Larry and Rocket Thompsom (Rocket is running the Chicago Marathon) and my dear, dear friend Dana Bishop. Wow - I am really looking forward to time with these dear friends.
I am missing my girls so much right now - I miss so many dear people, but missing my girls is just an ache. God is good to remind me all week that He cares about my needs and will provide for me. For now, phone conversations will have to do and I am thankful for daughters who like to talk to me!
I am thankful that Amanda, sweet friend of mine and Heather's, is pregnant! I got that news yesterday and I am just bursting with joy.
I am thankful that Jennifer Johnson Little delivered a healthy baby boy this week - Hudson.
I am thankful that E-girl got to go to Disneyworld to celebrate her 3rd birthday with her adopted family.
I am thankful that I'm not focused on provision - but on my Provider. I am thankful that I'm not focused on creation but on my Creator. I am thankful that I am not focused on religion - but on my relationship with Jesus.
What are you thankful for today? Send up the praises.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday Musings - A New Path
I have several things tumbling around in my head, so I'm not sure what part is going to come out of this. I have had so many interesting conversations over the last week - and there have been some common threads. I think I'll explore one of those today.
There are a lot of people who have hurtful, even horrible, things in their past. They often feel trapped by those things - doomed to repeat unhealthy patterns and make bad choices. There are so many different stories here - I've heard hundreds over the last 30 or so years of ministry. I have ached for the hurt, discouragement and wounds that others have experienced and the fear that they experience wanting so desperately to choose another path. But . . . there is good news.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Behold, the old things passed away: behold new things have come." 2nd Corinthians 5:17 This is true for every believer. I heard a story last week from a sweet friend about her mother. Her mother had a mean mother - her mother's mother had a mean mother. Hateful words were exchanged and hateful words were passed down. Encouragement and love were in scarce supply if not non-existent. But guess what - my friend's Mom changed that. She chose to love. She had children and she loved each one of them. She has encouraged them to pursue their dreams and be who God created them to be. She broke the cycle of hateful words.
People who come from dysfunctional families have families that are loving, caring and whole. People who grew up with abusive parents are loving their children. People who are fearful become courageous. People who are depressed find joy. People who are self destructive find freedom and life.
I have had this conversation numerous times and about numerous situations and it is TRUE. As a believer in Jesus, you are not a prisoner of your past. You are not a prisoner of a pattern in your family. You are not a prisoner of your habits and mistakes. You are not a prisoner or nature or nurture. You are a new creation!
So, why do people repeat these patterns and stay in these places of destruction? I'm not a professional, but from what I have seen, they do not believe the truth. They do not embrace who they are in Christ and they do not live out that truth but they live out the lie that satan is so very happy for them to believe.
I had a boy in youth group years ago. He was just one of those kids that you wanted so desperately to see succeed. His growing up was not ideal but his current situation was better. His mom loved him - his stepfather was a decent man and he had siblings that he cared about. He had been in trouble with drugs and alcohol but was ready to make a change. And for awhile, he did. He had some good months and I saw some changes take place in his life. But it didn't last. Before long, I was visiting him in his orange jumpsuit at a county jail. No more juvenile detention center. In some ways, he seemed to be broken and ready to truly turn around but he wasn't. Not long after getting out of jail, I went to pick him up to go get some job applications and he was stoned. I took him anyway. It was a bizarre afternoon of nonsensical conversations and strange behavior. I was heartbroken. He eventually went to prison and is now out - but life is not any better.
Why? Why do some people choose to embrace what they have in Christ and others don't? I sure wish I had the answer to that - but all I can say is some choose to believe who they are in Christ and live accordingly and some do not. I don't mean to be simplistic. I know that many situations are very complicated and there may be numerous steps to wholeness. But I do believe that Jesus Christ wants everyone to be free from whatever imprisons them. He longs for us all to be whole. He came to set the captive free.
Maybe it just seems too good to be true . . .
But it's not . . .
"You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Believe it . . . Embrace it . . . Take the first step . . . Find someone to help you . . . Value yourself as much as Jesus values you. He died for you - live for Him.
There are a lot of people who have hurtful, even horrible, things in their past. They often feel trapped by those things - doomed to repeat unhealthy patterns and make bad choices. There are so many different stories here - I've heard hundreds over the last 30 or so years of ministry. I have ached for the hurt, discouragement and wounds that others have experienced and the fear that they experience wanting so desperately to choose another path. But . . . there is good news.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Behold, the old things passed away: behold new things have come." 2nd Corinthians 5:17 This is true for every believer. I heard a story last week from a sweet friend about her mother. Her mother had a mean mother - her mother's mother had a mean mother. Hateful words were exchanged and hateful words were passed down. Encouragement and love were in scarce supply if not non-existent. But guess what - my friend's Mom changed that. She chose to love. She had children and she loved each one of them. She has encouraged them to pursue their dreams and be who God created them to be. She broke the cycle of hateful words.
People who come from dysfunctional families have families that are loving, caring and whole. People who grew up with abusive parents are loving their children. People who are fearful become courageous. People who are depressed find joy. People who are self destructive find freedom and life.
I have had this conversation numerous times and about numerous situations and it is TRUE. As a believer in Jesus, you are not a prisoner of your past. You are not a prisoner of a pattern in your family. You are not a prisoner of your habits and mistakes. You are not a prisoner or nature or nurture. You are a new creation!
So, why do people repeat these patterns and stay in these places of destruction? I'm not a professional, but from what I have seen, they do not believe the truth. They do not embrace who they are in Christ and they do not live out that truth but they live out the lie that satan is so very happy for them to believe.
I had a boy in youth group years ago. He was just one of those kids that you wanted so desperately to see succeed. His growing up was not ideal but his current situation was better. His mom loved him - his stepfather was a decent man and he had siblings that he cared about. He had been in trouble with drugs and alcohol but was ready to make a change. And for awhile, he did. He had some good months and I saw some changes take place in his life. But it didn't last. Before long, I was visiting him in his orange jumpsuit at a county jail. No more juvenile detention center. In some ways, he seemed to be broken and ready to truly turn around but he wasn't. Not long after getting out of jail, I went to pick him up to go get some job applications and he was stoned. I took him anyway. It was a bizarre afternoon of nonsensical conversations and strange behavior. I was heartbroken. He eventually went to prison and is now out - but life is not any better.
Why? Why do some people choose to embrace what they have in Christ and others don't? I sure wish I had the answer to that - but all I can say is some choose to believe who they are in Christ and live accordingly and some do not. I don't mean to be simplistic. I know that many situations are very complicated and there may be numerous steps to wholeness. But I do believe that Jesus Christ wants everyone to be free from whatever imprisons them. He longs for us all to be whole. He came to set the captive free.
Maybe it just seems too good to be true . . .
But it's not . . .
"You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Believe it . . . Embrace it . . . Take the first step . . . Find someone to help you . . . Value yourself as much as Jesus values you. He died for you - live for Him.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Another great week - so many things to be thankful for so here is a list of my blessings in the last week.
*beautiful fall weather - one tree on our street has decided to change colors. You know, there is always one :-)
*spin classes at the gym - so good!
*bakery cupcakes
*being able to walk most places
*how easy it is to ride the train when I can't walk somewhere
*new friends - meeting so many fantastic people
*having ladies over for brunch this morning
*phone calls with my girls
*getting to paint some walls and make this place my own
*long time friends who are so faithful and encouraging
*the fact that I have driven places, gotten back and successfully parked in the garage (come and visit me and you will know how amazing that truly is!)
*God's faithfulness - His Word - so precious to me.
What are you thankful for today? Make a list and go ahead and count those blessings! Woo Hoo! Our God is Mighty.
*beautiful fall weather - one tree on our street has decided to change colors. You know, there is always one :-)
*spin classes at the gym - so good!
*bakery cupcakes
*being able to walk most places
*how easy it is to ride the train when I can't walk somewhere
*new friends - meeting so many fantastic people
*having ladies over for brunch this morning
*phone calls with my girls
*getting to paint some walls and make this place my own
*long time friends who are so faithful and encouraging
*the fact that I have driven places, gotten back and successfully parked in the garage (come and visit me and you will know how amazing that truly is!)
*God's faithfulness - His Word - so precious to me.
What are you thankful for today? Make a list and go ahead and count those blessings! Woo Hoo! Our God is Mighty.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday Musings - Everyone Has A Story
I am one of those people that just evokes lots of personal information from people - seriously - I don't even have to ask! It is also not necessary for me to know the person. People just like to tell me things. I have to say - it makes life very interesting. I get to know the most interesting people and the phrase "never met a stranger" should probably be tattoed on my body somewhere. Apparently this is genetic since my Mom and Dad have this same tendency as do my girls.
Actually, I don't mind it at all. I think that people's stories are fascinating. Everyone has a story and I like to see what makes people tick. At any given moment, there is so much going on with people that we are unaware of. Some years ago, I had a friend lose her precious one year old to cancer. I will never forget going to the grocery store after leaving the hospital and just walking up and down the aisle trying to figure out how I could go home and cook dinner as if nothing had changed when I felt like everything had changed. No one in the grocery store knew what had happened - no one knew that I could erupt into sobs at any moment. It just struck me that I had no idea how many others in that store could be going through something very difficult as well.
In some ways, that experience changed me forever. I see the impatient driver, the rude salesclerk or sharp tongued check out girl in a very different light. Generally, I believe that there is something going on under the surface and I want to show grace in that situation. I have seldom had someone refuse to let me pray for them or encourage them. Sometimes just showing interest is mind boggling to someone who feels like no one cares. People are overwhelmed, sad, lost and confused. As a followers of Jesus, we can offer peace, a way to make order out of chaos, joy, salvation and clarity by sharing the love of Christ. This approach requires that we step back, get out of our "self" focus and tune in to what is going on around us - a huge challenge at times!
I got to have three really great conversations with people I was just meeting for the first time yesterday. I just asked a few questions and I learned a lot. Who doesn't like to have someone show interest in them? I know all about the guy who installed our surround sound who immigrated here from Romania 10 years ago. I have had so many people ask me, "Have you met your neighbors yet?" meaning the people in my building. Wow - are you kidding me? I had them over for dinner and absolutely love them!
I will admit that talking to strangers is not natural for everyone. Not everyone has the gift of hospitality or a listening ear - or even a schedule that lends itself to doing that. But - this I know. We all need to be aware of those around us. We all need to be willing for the Lord to interrupt our schedule and put someone in our path who needs those very things. We all need to look below the surface when others behavior annoys us. We all need to be willing to listen, to slow down and to be used in even a small way to bless someone.
Have you allowed God to reorder your day? Have you had someone just start pouring their heart out to you? If you haven't, you probably will! How will you respond? Are you just too busy or in too big of a hurry to slow down? Are you so busy doing things for the Lord that He doesn't have much say so in what that looks like? Are you remembering that being (abiding) is as important as doing? Only by abiding will we be aware of these opportunities when they come. Keep those spiritual eyes open and you will be blown away by the ways the Lord will use you to bless others. Share your stories - I would love to hear them. Blessings!
Actually, I don't mind it at all. I think that people's stories are fascinating. Everyone has a story and I like to see what makes people tick. At any given moment, there is so much going on with people that we are unaware of. Some years ago, I had a friend lose her precious one year old to cancer. I will never forget going to the grocery store after leaving the hospital and just walking up and down the aisle trying to figure out how I could go home and cook dinner as if nothing had changed when I felt like everything had changed. No one in the grocery store knew what had happened - no one knew that I could erupt into sobs at any moment. It just struck me that I had no idea how many others in that store could be going through something very difficult as well.
In some ways, that experience changed me forever. I see the impatient driver, the rude salesclerk or sharp tongued check out girl in a very different light. Generally, I believe that there is something going on under the surface and I want to show grace in that situation. I have seldom had someone refuse to let me pray for them or encourage them. Sometimes just showing interest is mind boggling to someone who feels like no one cares. People are overwhelmed, sad, lost and confused. As a followers of Jesus, we can offer peace, a way to make order out of chaos, joy, salvation and clarity by sharing the love of Christ. This approach requires that we step back, get out of our "self" focus and tune in to what is going on around us - a huge challenge at times!
I got to have three really great conversations with people I was just meeting for the first time yesterday. I just asked a few questions and I learned a lot. Who doesn't like to have someone show interest in them? I know all about the guy who installed our surround sound who immigrated here from Romania 10 years ago. I have had so many people ask me, "Have you met your neighbors yet?" meaning the people in my building. Wow - are you kidding me? I had them over for dinner and absolutely love them!
I will admit that talking to strangers is not natural for everyone. Not everyone has the gift of hospitality or a listening ear - or even a schedule that lends itself to doing that. But - this I know. We all need to be aware of those around us. We all need to be willing for the Lord to interrupt our schedule and put someone in our path who needs those very things. We all need to look below the surface when others behavior annoys us. We all need to be willing to listen, to slow down and to be used in even a small way to bless someone.
Have you allowed God to reorder your day? Have you had someone just start pouring their heart out to you? If you haven't, you probably will! How will you respond? Are you just too busy or in too big of a hurry to slow down? Are you so busy doing things for the Lord that He doesn't have much say so in what that looks like? Are you remembering that being (abiding) is as important as doing? Only by abiding will we be aware of these opportunities when they come. Keep those spiritual eyes open and you will be blown away by the ways the Lord will use you to bless others. Share your stories - I would love to hear them. Blessings!
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