This, That, and the Other
Often our lives are made up of having a little longing for THIS or being a little offended about THAT or complaining about the OTHER. Being dissatisfied about THIS, THAT or the OTHER.
I’m guilty. Sometimes I get myself in a funk because I found a charge on my credit card statement that wasn’t mine. Or, just last week (and since the beginning of June), I’ve been running in a “wild goose chase” because of my “new” printer not working and finding out I was sent the wrong printer anyway! And, then there’s the yard people who failed to blow off the grass clippings off my patio — again!
I can get myself all tangled up in all kinds of knots when I let THIS, THAT or the OTHER keep getting to me. I deserve to feel all these dissatisfied emotions about THIS, THAT or the OTHER. Or do I? Or is God such a good, good Father that He allows annoying issues to be like the Mama bird who keeps pulling away the comfortable part of the nest to push her babies out of the nest?
Then comes a reality shake-up on what matters most. I spoke about it in my blog on Sunday – my volunteering at the food pantry and thrift store. All it takes is a little spoonful of seeing other people’s plights and hearing their stories to make my own spoonfuls seem so miniscule. I know God set me up with this opportunity. He is always up to something good to get us out of our funks and into the overflow of His blessings to us.
The manager of the Vincentian ministry asked me to come to his office for a chat. He wanted to know about my background to find out what the best “fit” might be in serving there. I’ve put two and two together. I saw the church bulletin’s announcement about this ministry and needing more help. I saw! I felt nudged! Obviously, the manager placed me where I could best use my giftings. And, of course, it was my Father’s divine set-up!
I asked how he landed in his position. A very astute Human Resources Director and heading up other large companies, as well as serving as the Assistant to the Archbishop in his hometown. Then the Archbishop was transferred to another area, so he wondered what next? After all, he has a wife and children. Then, this position at the Vincentian Center here in Austin came up by coincidence.
No. Not coincidence. God sees and God knows what is best for us. Today this man has turned a make-shift operation into a thriving business and ministry where many people donate finances, clothes, furniture, and other items because they see the good that is taking place there in helping so many people.
How can I justify longing, being offended or complaining for those really non-vital issues in my life. I know God expects more from us. He expects us to be His hands extended to a hurting world. He expects us to be a light in the darkness to the hurting: THIS child. THAT broken-hearted widow. The OTHERS who are just a hug away from our making a difference in their lives. Indeed, THE WORSHIP God wants from us is loving, caring, and helping His children – those who can’t help themselves.
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:23
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35