Today's the day! I have no idea what God will bring my way, or if I'll even respond (only being honest about my human nature). But, I prayed this morning that He would give me compassion and show me ways to act on it. I'm ready.. I think.
Our shower has been torn up, in repair mode, for eight months now. My husband's friend, who was laid off two weeks ago, has agreed to work on it, which I'm very thankful for. As I waited for him to come over, God gave me new compassion for all the people--at Steve's company and in our city, state and country--who have lost their jobs. I wish I could do more to help and comfort them. But, for now, all I know to do is pray and pay one person to do what he does so well--construction and home repair. I hope this eases his family's burden in some small way.
After a long day, Steve and I trekked to Lowe's to buy some things for tomorrow's work on the shower project. As we stood in line to pay, I realized that I hadn't done one thing all day to demonstrate compassion toward others. Discouraged, I pulled out my credit card to pay the cashier. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a sweet, smiling face on a paper shamrock hanging on the cash register. It was a solicitation; all they asked for was one dollar to send kids with muscular dystrophy to summer camp. "This is it," I thought. "This is my answer."
I felt my heart beat faster and reached frantically into my wallet. I never, I mean never, have cash, but I dug anyway and, lo and behold, there they were: two beautiful, crumpled, dingy dollar bills. I fished them out and, smiling triumphantly, thrust them toward the girl behind the counter. As my husband and I sauntered out of the store, I thanked God for that little smiling face and His answer to my simple prayer.
For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, go to: http://www.mda.org/
Monday, February 23
Sunday, February 22
Compassion Challenge
I've decided to embark on a new 40-day challenge, starting today. I don't know exactly how it will play out, but the book I'm reading, Signs of Life by Dr. David Jeremiah, sparked the idea. The premise of the book is that, in light of society's generally unfavorable view of Christians, it is all the more important that Christians display signs that Jesus has transformed us and that we are committed to him.
The signs Dr. Jeremiah outlines are:
The signs Dr. Jeremiah outlines are:
- Dusty shoes
- Worn-out knees
- Rolled-up sleeves
- An open hand
- Outstretched arms
From what I've gathered so far, it's essentially a call to compassion-a call we all should heed. I have already been convicted. Through the years, God has given me compassion for others, but all too often I refuse to act on that emotion. I lean heavily on my myriad excuses, everything from the tired "too busy" excuse to focusing on my limited resources more than God's provision for the sick and needy, if I will only listen to the promptings He sparks in my heart of hearts.
Today is a new day, thank God, and I'm shelving those excuses. By God's grace, I'm going to refocus on what really matters, not to me-but to Him-and pray that eventually the alignment of His heart for the sick, needy, poor and downtrodden and my faith in action will produce an explosion of random kindness and healing deeds. I have to admit I'm a little scared of what God might ask me to do, or that I won't pick up His signals, or that I'll continue in my selfish ways. But fear is precisely part of the problem. Faith, not fear, is the only way to truly love others as Jesus loves each of us.
I'm starting now. Join me, please, and let me know how God's love shines through your signs of life.
Tuesday, January 27
Day 27: The First Step
We got hit with a winter storm-complete with freezing rain, sleet and snow-so the kids are out of school today and probably tomorrow. Thank God for the food our friends brought, which we will enjoy while we're snowed in.
Today was the first day of Micah's new regimen. So far, so good. He took everything three times, just like the doctor ordered. It's hard for me to grasp that he's sick because he's so animated and energetic. The old "You don't LOOK sick" line that I've heard many times myself. I want to believe what my eyes see, that he's a "normal", healthy six-year-old boy. But, alas, blood tests and strange symptoms confirm otherwise. We were able to make an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City: March 2, 2:40. One more step down this long road called illness.
Thanks to all who are praying. Words can't express our appreciation.
Today was the first day of Micah's new regimen. So far, so good. He took everything three times, just like the doctor ordered. It's hard for me to grasp that he's sick because he's so animated and energetic. The old "You don't LOOK sick" line that I've heard many times myself. I want to believe what my eyes see, that he's a "normal", healthy six-year-old boy. But, alas, blood tests and strange symptoms confirm otherwise. We were able to make an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City: March 2, 2:40. One more step down this long road called illness.
Thanks to all who are praying. Words can't express our appreciation.
Monday, January 26
Day 26: A Thousand Bouquets
Okay, the madness has got to stop! I input the receipts into our financial software this morning. Yikes! The grand total of our four-day lack of discipline is almost $75! Proof positive that letting our convictions slide has not been worth it. We are rededicating ourselves to the cause TODAY and making conscious decisions about how we use our resources, otherwise known as practicing what we preach.
Micah's first doctor appointment, an exhausting process, was today. He was able to confirm what we already knew and gave us some more information that explains some other problems he has had in the past. He's an M.D. who practices a unique blend of complementary medicine, including homeopathy. After my gastroenterologist gave me no hope, I started seeing this doctor, who has helped me immensely over the past three and a half years. I function better now than I ever have, so taking Micah to him seems like an obvious first step. He gave us some homeopathic remedies to start him on, which feels overwhelming and empowering at the same time.
Thankfully, I didn't have to think about making dinner because some friends of ours brought pasta, veggies and bread. They also brought a breakfast casserole, bagels and cream cheese, orange juice, lunch meat, sandwich cheese and two loaves of bread. Hallelujah! We are set not only for at least two dinners, but also breakfast and lunch for a few days. Such a blessing. A word to the wise: Don't ever underestimate the power of taking a meal to a hurting person or family. In my book, a casserole is worth a thousand bouquets and faithful friends are worth their weight in gold.
Micah's first doctor appointment, an exhausting process, was today. He was able to confirm what we already knew and gave us some more information that explains some other problems he has had in the past. He's an M.D. who practices a unique blend of complementary medicine, including homeopathy. After my gastroenterologist gave me no hope, I started seeing this doctor, who has helped me immensely over the past three and a half years. I function better now than I ever have, so taking Micah to him seems like an obvious first step. He gave us some homeopathic remedies to start him on, which feels overwhelming and empowering at the same time.
Thankfully, I didn't have to think about making dinner because some friends of ours brought pasta, veggies and bread. They also brought a breakfast casserole, bagels and cream cheese, orange juice, lunch meat, sandwich cheese and two loaves of bread. Hallelujah! We are set not only for at least two dinners, but also breakfast and lunch for a few days. Such a blessing. A word to the wise: Don't ever underestimate the power of taking a meal to a hurting person or family. In my book, a casserole is worth a thousand bouquets and faithful friends are worth their weight in gold.
Sunday, January 25
Day 25: The Little Things
I feel blessed, today especially, to be surrounded by faithful friends who are praying for my son, and all of us. As we entered the church this morning, we were greeted by hugs and encouraging words. But, after recounting the events of the past week at least 20 times, Steve and I were exhausted.
So, after church, we ate out again. Pushed by a sense of emotional depletion and pulled toward the proverbial "comfort" food, we opted for Wendy's chili and baked potatoes (grand total: $12.50). It's funny how the mind works, in order of priority. On January 1, our commitment to reign in our spending and improve our health seemed like a worthy goal. Today, and all this week, it has dwarfed in comparison to our now ever-present challenge: helping our son to heal. I know, intellectually, that we still need to stay on track financially, but my heart is having trouble following through. I guess grief works like that.
A friend invited me to her house this afternoon, and I'm so glad I stepped out of the fog and accepted her invitation. We took a cold, brisk walk around her neighborhood, followed by wheat toast with homemade raspberry jam and hot coca, complete with mini marshmallows. We talked while soothing music played in the background, and when I left I felt a little stronger, a little clearer, a little more convinced of God's presence during our suffering. I also got another reminder that food isn't the comforter, but that the Comforter works through compassionate people willing to offer their hearts, homes and hot chocolate to the needy.
So, after church, we ate out again. Pushed by a sense of emotional depletion and pulled toward the proverbial "comfort" food, we opted for Wendy's chili and baked potatoes (grand total: $12.50). It's funny how the mind works, in order of priority. On January 1, our commitment to reign in our spending and improve our health seemed like a worthy goal. Today, and all this week, it has dwarfed in comparison to our now ever-present challenge: helping our son to heal. I know, intellectually, that we still need to stay on track financially, but my heart is having trouble following through. I guess grief works like that.
A friend invited me to her house this afternoon, and I'm so glad I stepped out of the fog and accepted her invitation. We took a cold, brisk walk around her neighborhood, followed by wheat toast with homemade raspberry jam and hot coca, complete with mini marshmallows. We talked while soothing music played in the background, and when I left I felt a little stronger, a little clearer, a little more convinced of God's presence during our suffering. I also got another reminder that food isn't the comforter, but that the Comforter works through compassionate people willing to offer their hearts, homes and hot chocolate to the needy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)