I believe we learn a lot of life lessons as each year passes by. Some simple, and some big, but whatever their size they usually leave a mark on your heart; almost like a scar that continually stops you in your tracks every time you brush your hand against its raised surface. For example, when you are down on your back with no one to talk to, you realize the true value of a card, visit, or an outstretched hand. I look at this week and realize that it has been one of ease, while everything is still new and fresh. Yet even at this stage the swift change from going 90miles an hour to a dead stop has left me feeling helpless, left out, and a little useless while others have had to go on about their lives as well as double their work load because of this situation. I know that those around me would beg to differ if they heard me say this. But it is because of their caring and servant attitudes that they do all of the “extras”. I am truly blessed by them, not necessarily by simply what they have done for me, but blessed by their heart of love towards me and my family, and the lives of my unborn children.
I live a life that is “go, go, go” all of the time, whether necessary tasks or not, I force myself to be a busy bee. I tend to be unproductive when slowed down, and always seem too busy to stop and do the things that really matter; such as send a card, visit someone down on their back, or give in the way I am called to give. So those scars I mentioned earlier, are now beginning to form on me. See, I remember as a child I fell outside on some rocky mud and cut my knee open pretty good. I had been in a scuffle with my childhood friend and was on my way to apologize to her when I clumsily fell down. Another time as I child I was dared to climb a tree that I could barely hold on to, and while in the midst of a daring climb, I slid all the way down scraping my stomach and again leaving a scar for years to come. I’m sure no one else remembers these instances because for them, it didn’t leave any trace after the incident was over. But for me, even as the scars have completely faded, they are imbedded in my mind forever.
I believe God works in our lives in the same way on a spiritual level. I know that years will pass, and people will barely remember the weeks, or months I spent on bedrest, however I won’t forget. I won’t forget how people took time out of their busy schedule to bring Jason and I dinner, after a hard day at work, and fixing their own family dinner. I won’t forget how church family after church family, put myself , my babies, and my husband on their prayer list while the prayed at the family table, or during their quiet time. I won’t forget the time people took out of their schedules to write me a card, find my address, and mail me an encouraging word. I won’t forget the time people took out of their day to help me keep my home up and running and visit with me, bringing a little bit of the outside world to me when I couldn’t go. I won’t forget these monumental acts of love. I have been so busy trying to do “big” things for Christ throughout my life, that I have simply forgotten how to love people in such a Christ like way. He was always there with the people, and it is so clear the finds it important that we care for the sick, the weary, the widows, the children, and I completely missed it.
I praise the Lord for revealing to me the way in which I am to go. For serving Him is not so narrow as to just helping lead a service or putting together big productions, but caring for those around us, like He continually cared for those around Him.
