Isn't it amazing how God is at work everywhere? Not just in our little life in our home, but in yours and your neighbor's and the strangers you pass by everyday on the street? I am always amazed by this. This week has been one where God has really been showing me that we can minister and be used by Him in the most unusual of circumstances. It's not even because we are worthy, but simply because we are here to be used. On Thursday, while I was very busy at work, God used me. I don't usually listen to conversations at work, but the other day, while I was putting an order into the computer, it was like everything in the restaurant went mute, and it was clear as a bell. I heard this man say to his girlfriend, "Just trust the Lord, I know it doesn't make sense, but you have to just trust in the Lord." I really wanted to say something to them. I was dying to say something to them... I knew something was very wrong with the girl. She didn't want to eat and she didn't want anything to drink. She was on and off her cell phone, and looking very distraught. She was with her boyfriend, and his mom and grandma. As I was getting ready to pick up their plates, I really felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to say something, and even now I can't really remember all that I really said. I just said something like, I overheard you talking about focusing on the Lord, and I just want you to know that He won't ever let you go. That no matter what she was going through, he would be there, to make something good out of it. He was the God of restoration. He would restore, and just to trust me that he had done it in my life too. I didn't think it was very profound. But my heart was beating, and I knew the Lord was working through me, and it was so incredibly cool! I reached out to touch the back of her head as I went to leave, and she grabbed my arm and pulled me close to her, and just cried on me. I just stood there, and welled up. I stood up and laughed when she let go, and everyone at the table just stared at us. The mom mouthed the words "Thank you," to me, and they all said, "You have no idea what you have just done." And I still don't really know what I did. All I know is that God spoke through me, and it was one of the neatest experiences. I felt so humbled that God would use me like that. With a perfect stranger. Sometimes I feel like the restaurant I work in is a mission field for me. Only I get paid when I leave at night! :) This is not the first time God has used me, even this week. And I am so thankful to be His instrument.
Earlier this week, a man came in to the restaurant. He looked so heavy. I offered him some coffee, and he ordered, and then he mentioned that he was trying to make a decision. I asked him what it was. He said he was thinking of going to a nearby town to see his girlfriend, but that she was moving away, and he wasn't sure it was going to work out. Later, in the conversation, he mentioned that he was just a tree-cutter, and probably not good enough for her anyways. I told him that we are all here for a purpose, and that this tree-cutting job was maybe just a season in his life, but even if it wasn't God could use him right where he was. I told him that my husband works so hard everyday and comes home and never complains, and I am so glad that he can physically work hard like that, because I could never do what he does. I told him that it was not that he wasn't good enough for her, but that he needed to seek peace about where God wanted him. He was flipping around a coin that had the serenity prayer on it. He told me I reminded him a little of his girlfriend, and I told him that maybe God was trying to remind him of what was important to him. He looked at me, pushed his plate away, and paid. He said, "I know what I need to do. I am going to see her." And he was gone.... I don't know what came of that either, but I know that God has awesome plans for them. I pray blessings on all of these people.
So, I always had a desire to be a missionary. Some of you know that...but I had not even thought that I could be used right here, right now. And I don't mean to seem boastful. I just get excited to be used by God to speak to His people. It really, really blesses me.
Have you ever just sat back and really thanked him for what you have? I am so thankful for my family. My husband is such a unique blessing to me. My children are such blessings. And today, I was on a bit of a pity party. I miss having our own home, and I really want one again. But the Lord is showing me my blessings that I already have. I am so thankful for this family I have been given. Last night we were in the middle of Praise and Worship, and Scott was sitting beside me, and I was just reminded of how he is always there with and for me. He is like my visual of a solid rock. I am so appreciative of that. My children have the brightest smiles and faces, and their little eyes light up when they are excited. This reminds me of God's joy, that He longs for all of his people to have. Sometimes it's good to remember that there is someone out there who would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Who would give anything to have what you have. To have your husband/wife or your children or your situation. It does us good to remember how blessed we really are, doesn't it?
