Reckless Faith

David brought me home a book the other week titled Reckless Faith. It caught his eye as he was receiving inventory because it was written by a lady who started an orphanage in Monterrey, Mexico. It's an easy read, not long, and the entries are journal style, not in any particular order. He thought I might enjoy it as I enjoy my mission trips to the Dominican Republic very much. I decided to not make the trip this year due to some health concerns. I was rather blue as the end of June approached, feeling as though I should be on that jet with the rest of my brothers and sisters in Christ, flying to Santo Domingo. I did alot of extra praying that week, knowing that my group was down there working to rehabilitate the facilities and ministering to the children. I terribly missed Luilli, Apache and Pablo as well as the rest of the boys. I couldn't wait for them to get back to hear all about the trip.

Amy emailed me about a week after their return. All was well, the number of boys at the home was at an all time low. That could be good or bad, depending upon how you look at it. Sometimes the boys get to go home during the summer to visit family and sometimes the parents come to fetch them when they get old enough to be of use laboring to make money. It's always a concern, but I'm learning to let go and let God. He is the one in charge of the boys' lives, not me. It's hard to do, but I'm learning. Luilli missed seeing me, Pablo is still young and not so connected. Apache had gone home, but we did not know the details. How I missed being able to give them big hugs and bring them a little something from Florida. I did send gifts with Amy, but it's not the same as taking them yourself. I missed being called for "iglesia" each evening and the rhythmic singing of the boys with their tamborines, drums and those metal grater things. Next time I go, I'm going to record them so I can play it back.

So, I'm learning about my reckless faith and what it has allowed God to do thru me. Sometimes I'm more aware of it, sometimes I'm not. Sometimes it's what he prevents me from doing, that allows me to be available for his bigger and better plan. Whatever the case may be, I pray each day for the strength to let go, so that he can work the plans that he has for me as promised.

Labor Day

The first Monday in September - Labor Day. Time away from work, to be with family and friends. What if you don't have any family or friends? What if you have no home to go to?

As I thank God for our many blessings today, I am reminded of our families at church that have no home to be thankful for. Their lives shattered by assorted problems or addictions, or maybe just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In the midst of trying to rebuild, Family Promise offers them hope when they are at their darkest. My small act of spending the night to be their host seems like a drop in the bucket. Sure, I can sleep on a squeaky cot for a few hours overnight because I have an air-conditioned home to get up and go home to in the morning. A hot shower and a cup of coffee made by a coffeemaker with an automatic timer so it's ready when I want it. A nice bed with my fluffy, purring kitty next to me, saying "Mom, where were you last night? I missed you."

However, I am reminded that the drop of water that hits doesn't just sink immediately to the bottom. It radiates from the place it landed, creating ripples upon ripples across the water, until it eventually reaches the other side of the pond ... or lake ... or river ... or ocean. It travels and affects everything else it comes in contact with. It all starts with just a drop.

And so it goes in our daily lives. Looking at the huge, big picture can be discouraging and downright immobilizing. "What can I possibly do to make a difference?" "How can one person change the world?" It all has to start somewhere ... with just a tiny drop.

What have you dropped today?