A Refugee from the Storm

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. (Psalm 32:8 NKJ)

          Before getting out of bed, I prayed, “Show me someone I can help today.”

          Few people entered the library bookstore as I straightened shelves and added books to the children’s section.

          Another volunteer, who arrived late, told of her hour long wait in bumper to bumper traffic. She saw no accidents but several police cars.

          Then I remembered a news story about locations in Central Florida where hurricane victims could apply for food. One was located near the library which explained the traffic jam.

          As we worked, a dark haired man entered the store. “Is FEMA here?”

          “No, they left last week.”

          “At the airport, they said we could get help from FEMA. I just arrived last night from Puerto Rico,” he continued.

          His words broke my heart. My friend and I exchanged looks and moved closer to him.

          “Do you know where I can go to find out about housing and a job?”

          My mind tried to grasp his reality. New country. No job. No home. I couldn’t imagine what he had gone through.

          I felt God’s nudge to do something I had never done. “May I give you a hug?”

          We hugged briefly. His eyes glistened as he composed himself.

          “We are so sorry for what you have gone through,” Pat and I said.

          Neither of us had any real answers, but we directed him to the location where food vouchers were being given out and explained about the long lines.

          “Of course, that’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through,” Pat said.

          After he left, we tried to process how difficult life had become for thousands affected by the hurricanes. Watching videos on the news brought sadness. However, experiencing the pain of someone fleeing the devastation, clutched our hearts.

          Even though the hurricanes shattered his island, he wasn’t in despair.  He requested information but wanted to help himself. I prayed that he got what he needed.

          That morning a silver cross, that Alan gave me, hung from my neck. Hopefully, the man felt love and encouragement as God’s hug used my arms.

Heavenly Father, provide for your children who have experienced tremendous losses. Help us to know how we can serve them. Amen

Lessons from Wee Teachers

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35 NIV)

            Before getting out of bed, plans for the day jumbled within my mind. My sluggish body refused to move. Finally, I shuffled to the kitchen for a cup of tea to wake up.

            As I reached down to pick up my newspaper from the driveway, a thin black worm wiggled across the pavers. His movements fascinated me. His head stretched out to lengthen his body like a taunt rubber band. Little by little, his body caught up. Slow. Steady. He moved toward the grass but never did his body stretch beyond what he could endure.

            From my patio, I watched and learned more lessons. The bumblebee followed his daily routine. He zoomed to the orange flowers and stuck his head into one after the other. He didn’t hurry. He focused on only one bush and wasn’t distracted by other blooms in my garden.

            As I enjoyed the tranquility of my retreat, chirping drifted across the lake. The sound came closer and a brilliant cardinal flew into an oak tree. His melodies entertained me for a few minutes as he rested before flying away.

            Near the water’s edge, an orange butterfly flitted among white blooms near the shoreline. A swaying stem enticed the butterfly to stop and relax. A few seconds later, he resumed his flight.

            Each creature taught me a lesson. The slithering worm showed me to not stretch myself too thin. The bumblebee taught me to focus and not be distracted. The cardinal showed me to stop and listen. The butterfly demonstrated to take a break and then go on. Nonstop activities, even good ones, eventually wear me out and make me less effective.

            After being with people, Jesus took time to get away and be alone.

            After my lessons, I spent a leisurely day relaxing and enjoying time by myself.

Heavenly Father, thank you for each creature and the lessons I learned. Amen

Joining the Lonely

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 WEB)

            The list for the monthly potluck dinner in my neighborhood included only one other single. Did I want to go with so many couples? I hesitated but then added my name.

            A number of unfamiliar faces greeted me when I entered the room for dinner. Thankfully, I noticed a couple I knew and walked to their table. All seats had been taken.

            People claimed seats at most of the tables. At the far end of the long room, one couple sat alone. With my drink in hand, I maneuvered to them.

            “May I join you?” I asked.

            They smiled and said, “Yes.”

            As we exchanged names, a lady sat beside me. Another couple asked to sit with us. We learned that all were newcomers except for me. We talked for a while and I discovered the lady beside me was a recent widow who had come alone too.

            On the way to the clubhouse that evening, a radio pastor said to look for the lonely and hurting. His words directed me to join a couple sitting by themselves and allowed me to make new friends.

            Because of my journey of grief, I understood loneliness. I was thankful I stepped out of my comfort zone to welcome and encourage my tablemates.

            God directed my steps and thankfully, I followed His plan.

Heavenly Father, help me to listen and obey when you guide me to do something that isn’t easy. Amen