After posting a negative story last night, I went to bed a little upset that my first post was not more positive. Many of you know that my bed is not a place where I sleep, but rather one where I think, read, watch movies, or pretty much do anything but sleep. At any rate, I was thinking last night, and I remember someone else who wondered into our church parking lot looking for help. It's a much more positive story, and I am much happier to tell it.
A few weeks ago, we were having a BBQ on the front lawn to raise money for an upcoming mission trip. As we were cleaning up, a women wandered in. She told us she was a traveling preacher of the gospel and could we help her out with some gas. One of the men helping us clean up immediately offered to help her. She was so happy!!! Then we started talking. She wanted to know more about what we were raising money for, and we wanted to hear more about what she was doing. In the end, we gave her all of our left over food, and helped her with the gas she needed. It was a really positive experience. One of the cool things about it was that many of our youth were a part of what happened that day. They got to hear her story, and be a part of our response to her needs.
I am glad that I had this thought last night. It helps me put balance on the other experience.
But remember- the other experience was positive too! Just because the outcome is not what you would've expected, doesn't mean God wasn't orchestrating it the whole time.
ReplyDeleteLove the obvious positive stories too. :) Leading by example is KEY. When we were in Toronto at World Youth Day, there was a man standing on a corner asking for money. He was very friendly and smiley (as are my parents.. and our whole group) but he had trouble speaking and I think he had a mental handicap of some level. Well, we asked him why he needed money. He said he was hungry. You know what?! We were on our way to dinner! We invited him along and he got to eat and we got to see and demonstrate kindness and love.