Today I visited two hurting people. I met a pot-bellied pig named Bacon. And I made someone cry by just walking into a room.
I'm totally out of my element. Even though I grew up in this area and I am surrounded by family members I often feel like I am in another world when I am not at home. When I am in South Dakota I feel like I am in my realm, faery land. When I leave its borders I am entering the other-people's realm.
Maybe it is a comfort-zone thing, but I am so much more self conscious when not in my (adult) home state.
This isn't all bad.
This morning while drinking coffee that I made (but isn't my favorite brand) I wrote in my journal how much I needed God's help to be the witness I knew I need to be here.
"I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!" Jude 1-2
I read this and had a few thoughts:
One, Jude was Jesus' actual half-brother biologically, but he doesn't claim this whatsoever when he is writing to his brothers and sisters in the Faith. He just calls himself His slave. I am here with my family who I dearly love and I know hwo love me, but this isn't the main reason I am here. I am here as God's witness, God's vessel to share His love, His Joy, His peace and His healing with people who are much loved.
Two, don't get uptight if things aren't how we want them to be. Life is a process, especially with family. We aren't the same people we were last Thanksgiving or even last month. God has been working in all hearts. What has God been saying to those you come in contact with?
Only He and they know. It isn't our business, but we may be the answer to that dilemma or whatever is going on in there.
Third, only use words when necessary....I know I've read that before but I can't give credit because I don't know who to give credit to. I walked into a dear person's house and sat beside them and tears came to their eyes. I don't think they understood but I think it was God's spirit reaching out to their's. I didn't do anything but show up and give love and time.
God has placed me and you in our worlds to minister, to live for Him, to shine for Him. It isn't always comfortable, but that doesn't mean He isn't using us.
Be there this week. Ask God for His eyes, His heart, His discernment. You're there for a purpose, and it isn't just to eat pumpkin pie (though that is a good thing too).