I have definitely shared before about "urgings" that God has given me to reach out to people. I apprecaited those so much in Indonesia. There were so many people in need and it was impossible to reach out to all. Some people warned against reaching out to everyone because there were those who were being used by others to beg, etc. It was difficult, surrounded by poverty, to know how to help the best. People would knock on the door, begging for money for school, medicine, or other things. I always prayed for wisdom to know how to help in the best way. I had some really memorable moments, when God just spoke to my heart and told me, "Give that person Rp. 20,000" or "Pay that person's bill in the grocery store." Those are moments that are really significant to me. I will treasure those moments in my heart. It won't be until much later, when I learn why God gave me those instructions. One of the greatest faith moments involved wiping out most of our savings to give a gift to strangers in the States who had just become unemployed. The most amazing part of that experience was actually having a sense of God laughing with glee! I asked, "Are you SURE about this?!?!" And He just laughed with joy saying, "Just watch! Watch and see what I will do if you obey!" Then God returned all of those funds and blessed us even more abundantly!
Although I sometimes am tempted to feel that I am used more in ministry overseas, it is not at all true. God has still impressed things upon my heart here. This last week I had an interesting experience. I had to cancel a dentist appointment for my son who had developed a really nasty sore throat overnight. The receptionist is the dentist's wife. When I called to cancel, she was really angry and upset. She said that put them in a really difficult position because their next appointment was not for another hour and a half. When I asked about changing it, she said I would just have to take my chances and then she hung up on me. I felt kind of shocked about the ribbing I had received and I felt bad for having to cancel. It was nothing I had intended! I said to my boys, "Well, maybe we should look for a new dentist!" However, that really didn't sit well with my heart. I was stewing and was feeling unsettled. I didn't feel like I deserved the response I had gotten. I felt like I should not ignore it--but should try to make it right. On my way to run another kid to VBS, I stopped and bought donuts and coffee for them and I dropped it off. It was the tiniest bit awkward, but she explained she had been up late and had a bad headache. She had been able to tell all the other office staff not to come in, but had felt upset that she couldn't sleep in too. I apologized again, just wanting her to know that it had not been intentional. I wanted her to know that I cared. She called me four hours later at home, thanking me again.
It was not a big deal--and it was just about smoothing some ruffled feathers...but I am really thankful for the Spirit's prompting---to not let it go, but to reach out. My Mom reminded me of Matt. 9:36 this week. Jesus had compassion on the people because they were confused and helpless. I want to be a person who reaches out to those in need, as He prompts. Because He knows best what my skills are and who I will best relate to. He knows when we should try to confront and mend a relationship or when we should just let things go. May I keep by eyes, ears, and heart open! Will you do that too?
