NECESSITIES OF LIFE
Yesterday I spent 3 hrs at Lowes designing a new kitchen for Timber Trail cottage, and then finally got home in the storm only to spend more time faxing info etc. (and I'm still not feeling well). These things take so much time, and even though I enjoy the creativity of it, I think I would rather be doing something "more important" that I believe has eternal value.
As I thought about those three hours spent with the kitchen designer, again I am reminded that this is all part of God's plan and purpose us - the necessities of life! I had met someone and spent 3 hrs with them that normally I would not have met or spent time with. At first the computer kept crashing and she lost it all. We talked a little about the storm while she worked at getting it back, and she shared her concern about wanting to leave a little earlier to pick up her little girl before the weather got any worse. I made a mental note of the time she wanted to leave by, and began to pray that all would go well (my motives were not entirely unselfish I
must admit), and that God would bless this project, as well as for safety on the road for us both.
She seemed tired, and I prayed that God would refresh her etc. I told her I was praying for her and she seemed grateful. All went well, and when I told her what time it was she said that it was perfect timing because she was finished. I felt I knew her after the 3 hrs and wanted to give her a hug, but didn't, instead I just thanked her profusely.
Then there was the day before at the grocery store where I always see the same sour lady (sorry Lord!) supposedly giving out samples of food. My thought usually is "she's doing the wrong job" and I always try to say "hi" and/ or something positive as I go by. Either I get no response or I get "the eye". Well the day before yesterday I did neither. I walked away thinking "what is her problem???" and right away I felt in my heart the Lord say to confess my judgement of her and to pray for her. I was doing this when the Lord said to go back and tell her I was praying for her. I had no problem with this, since the thought crossed my mind that by letting her know I was praying for her, she might get the hint that others notice she needs prayer. (I know this is terrible, and I should have prayed for MY attitude before going back to her ..but I didn't). Anyway, I went up to her and softly told her that I was praying for her, and WOW what a transformation!! She actually smiled and thanked me! I walked away realizing again that the people who need the most love are the ones that are hardest to love. I asked the Lord to forgive me and continued praying for her as I shopped. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. She had come after me to ask me to also pray for her granddaughter who was very rebellious, and "would not listen". I listened and then suggested just loving her might help her through this difficult time, and that I certainly would pray for her. I prayed as I continued shopping for "the necessities of life," and was humbled that God would use me after all. Now I look forward to how God is going to work - I know He certainly is doing a work in me!
I guess it's while we're about these necessities of life that God works beneath the surface, and we sometimes think what a waste of time, I could have been doing something that had eternal value =)
As I thought about those three hours spent with the kitchen designer, again I am reminded that this is all part of God's plan and purpose us - the necessities of life! I had met someone and spent 3 hrs with them that normally I would not have met or spent time with. At first the computer kept crashing and she lost it all. We talked a little about the storm while she worked at getting it back, and she shared her concern about wanting to leave a little earlier to pick up her little girl before the weather got any worse. I made a mental note of the time she wanted to leave by, and began to pray that all would go well (my motives were not entirely unselfish I
must admit), and that God would bless this project, as well as for safety on the road for us both.
She seemed tired, and I prayed that God would refresh her etc. I told her I was praying for her and she seemed grateful. All went well, and when I told her what time it was she said that it was perfect timing because she was finished. I felt I knew her after the 3 hrs and wanted to give her a hug, but didn't, instead I just thanked her profusely.
Then there was the day before at the grocery store where I always see the same sour lady (sorry Lord!) supposedly giving out samples of food. My thought usually is "she's doing the wrong job" and I always try to say "hi" and/ or something positive as I go by. Either I get no response or I get "the eye". Well the day before yesterday I did neither. I walked away thinking "what is her problem???" and right away I felt in my heart the Lord say to confess my judgement of her and to pray for her. I was doing this when the Lord said to go back and tell her I was praying for her. I had no problem with this, since the thought crossed my mind that by letting her know I was praying for her, she might get the hint that others notice she needs prayer. (I know this is terrible, and I should have prayed for MY attitude before going back to her ..but I didn't). Anyway, I went up to her and softly told her that I was praying for her, and WOW what a transformation!! She actually smiled and thanked me! I walked away realizing again that the people who need the most love are the ones that are hardest to love. I asked the Lord to forgive me and continued praying for her as I shopped. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. She had come after me to ask me to also pray for her granddaughter who was very rebellious, and "would not listen". I listened and then suggested just loving her might help her through this difficult time, and that I certainly would pray for her. I prayed as I continued shopping for "the necessities of life," and was humbled that God would use me after all. Now I look forward to how God is going to work - I know He certainly is doing a work in me!
I guess it's while we're about these necessities of life that God works beneath the surface, and we sometimes think what a waste of time, I could have been doing something that had eternal value =)
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