Real Life

I had a pretty good day today. I spoke with my husband who was sitting on a combine while he talked to me long distance on his cell. It really is amazing what we can do these days. We kind of take so much for granted - turn on the light, flush the toilet, turn up the heat, look in the fridge. Well....you get the drift.

I was at church today and spoke with a number of new people as we are in the fall season and starting up some new programs. We have a big 'push' on for people getting involved in small groups. Make the 'big' church a 'small' place by getting to know a few people at a time. It definitely works, it just takes people signing up and 'going with the flow' or 'the program'.  Anyway, I met a few new people. Last week I got into a conversation with a young woman who had two kids and was looking for our Kids 'n Friends group which is for children of divorce or separation. It is a very good program. Coinciding with it, an adults group called Divorce Care which helps those going through these issues. Anyway, much discussion and she shared some of her 'challenges'. Since I HAD been there and done that, I could identify with a lot of what she was sharing. I really encouraged her to get involved in a small group to build some friendships and some accountability for herself. My part will simply be to phone her to see how she's doing. It takes more initiative for her.

Another woman I met today was going through a divorce which involved abuse of their child. I have never been involved in anything like that. It just makes me shake my head when I think of what people are going through these days. I truly feel blessed in what I call my 'normal' hum drum life. I wouldn't want to change a thing. But, it makes me recognize 'all over again' that a lot of people are hurting and could use a friend and a listening ear. These two women are new to church in general. Although they are both hurting and going through difficult times, I truly believe they have made the right choice to come to church. They will find friendship and help here and if they are open to it - they will also find the 'light of their life' and the REAL reason for living.

I also found out today that a few people I know have a cancer diagnosis. Where they go from here is still to be decided. It's the waiting game. Waiting for doctors to phone, for appointments to be set, for treatments to start. In the meantime, it warms me to say that they have a friendship base at church which will support them, pray for them, be with them and help them as required whenever 'that' time requires them to be there. There are so many who are friend(less) and help(less) and without hope.

I have a few more people now that I have to call to 'see how they are doing' but it seems like such a small task when you compare it to what they are going through.

Psalm 86: You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.