Sometimes you stand in the middle of an unlikely circumstance and you find it is right where you belong. That was my entire weekend.
It all began with a chicken sandwich. My kids had off from school this past Friday. I had some coupons, so I decided that it might be a nice treat to take them through the drive through at Chick Fil-A. As I drove up I saw him standing in front of the store. His shorts were full of holes, but they were clean. He looked sort of nervous, like he was waiting for someone. His demeanor made me look twice, but I really didn't think an awful lot about it Driving up, I realized I had forgotten the coupons. Oh, well, I was here anyway. Ordering, I decided to go ahead and treat my hubby as I was on my way into the office. Of course AFTER, I order he calls to tell me that he has a working lunch. I hadn't ordered anything for myself so I figured I would just eat it myself. Coming out of the window, I looked back and it struck me. This young man was not waiting for someone, he was waiting for something. He was hoping someone would buy him some lunch. Pulling over, I called him over to the car and handed him my husband's sandwich. Driving away I kicked myself that I didn't give him my soda too.
When I got into the office, it was bustling with activity. A volunteer group had come in to do some work on our building. Setting the kids up in the kitchen to finish their lunch, I saw that the counter was covered with all sorts of food. The group had bought lunch for everyone in the office. The lesson hit me immediately. How often to I hold on to one little sandwich when the Lord is offering me a banquet? I can have fast food, or a meal wit the one who loves me most? I can wander aimlessly begging for food, or I can sit with my Savior while he feeds me the bread of life.
I spent the rest of the day remorseful that I had not given more food away.
On Saturday, the "Drum Disciples" had another grand performance. Of course it was one of those events that you are standing in the middle of scratching your head. Music was blaring as we walked into the block party. It was a strange mix of an event. Curses flew from the speakers. Dirt and dust and broken glass were everywhere. Children walked around barefoot through the debris. A woman stood up to pray for the event. Then someone else promoting HIV/AIDS prevention got onto the microphone to spout off facts of how to avoid getting the disease. They were giving out prizes to teens who knew what bodily fluids the disease could be passed through. Even if it is appropriate it is strange when someone screams, "BREAST MILK," into a microphone. Especially, when it is a twelve year old boy that you know. THe mixture of everything happening was crazy. The drummers got up to perform. As usual they were a light shining out as a city on a hill. Unfortunately, the sound quality was horrible. While the guy who decided to impromptu join them on the keyboard was very talented, it was still odd. Yet, as I stood in the blazing sun of south Florida in this crazy block party, I was comfortable and happy. I ran into a bunch of kids that I have not seen in way too long. I hugged them and told them I needed them back in program. I saw neighbors and friends. I remembered once again why it is that I do what I do. This is where I belong. This is where my family belongs. My kids didn't see the dirt or the dust. They saw the bounce house and their friends. Even after the performance they wanted to stay and play. The drunk men wandering around with paper bags in hand were not obvious to them. My husband grabbed my hand and whispered in my ear, "This is who we are..."
Sitting in lounge chairs that were a little old and a little bit dirty we looked around at the sea of faces. Right in the midst of the city was this little water park. A little bit old, but very well kept. Best of all it is a free service of our city. John and I mused at the people who don't know it there, or more accurately, don't want to know because they would never go there anyway. Our kids were making new friends and having a grand time. One of the families from our program showed up just as we were leaving. "See I told you that was he car!" one of the girls exclaimed. As I talked with their Mom for a moment it was a sweet instance of knowing that this is a place that belongs to both of us.
I guess that pretty much sums it up. This weekend reminded me that in my world there is no us and them. I do not stand on the outside looking in and offering a hand. Instead, I stand in the middle shoulder to shoulder as a friend and neighbor. Their struggles are mine. Their neighborhoods are mine.
"He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." 1 Cor. 1:8&9
Ultimately, the bottom line is that what we are really called to is fellowship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Sure we are "called" into different things to do with and for our Savior, but first we are simply called to be with him. If that is what we are called to then there is really no separation at all. While it might seem strange, it is right where I belong. We all do....
2 comments:
Isn't it so funny how at home we feel when we're in the middle of God's will? even if it's some place we NEVER would consider home otherwise?!
Really great post... thanks for sharing it. I especially love the reference to hanging on to the fast food in life, when we could let go of that and have what the Lords wants to give us.
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