Coke, Dr. Pepper, or Jesus…Which is the ‘Real Thing?’

The past two weeks have proven to be amazing, yet exhausting.  God did amazing things at camp and VBS.  We watched miracles take place and witnessed kids kneeling before the Lord on their hands and knees (boys and girls!)  If you have spent any length of time with 4^th-6^th graders, you would understand why I had tears flowing down my cheeks as I observed every child at camp kneel before God simultaneously as the director asked us to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  It was beautiful!  A moment I will never forget!

We had over 200 kids attend VBS all week.  Many were invited who had never attended church.  Over eight kids with special needs were included in every activity and Bible story.  Each child was loved on and discipled.  It was so exciting to meet and greet some of these new families on Sunday morning.  What a true blessing!

I desire to focus primarily on the beautiful moments of the past two weeks; however, I do want to acknowledge that exhaustion is a reality.  Jesus set the example of creating a place of solitude, especially after some of the most amazing miracles were performed through His power.  He walked a perfect life but He was a human being, like you and me.  He longed for a time of refreshment with His Heavenly Father.  He knew when to retreat.

^“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  Matthew 11:28-29 (The Message)

Directly after Sunday services, I prayed with my sweet and gracious family.  I packed my bags and left for a few days of solitude, rest, and quiet time with my Creator.  My first evening, I was craving a Coke.  I do not enjoy any other drink (will settle for Pepsi) but Coke is my soft drink of choice.  I placed my coins into the vending machine and pushed the “Coke” button, all to realize that it is sold out.  Thankfully, there is another Coke button.  I gently press it…all to find my worst nightmare.  It is sold out as well.  I decide that Sprite will quench my thirst.  I gently press the Sprite button and to my despair, a Dr. Pepper arrives in the bottom tray.  My heart sinks!  I hate Dr. Pepper!  I feel a moment of frustration and then quickly ask the Lord to forgive me.  I decide that I am not letting anything ruin my time with the Lord.  This was the first of many circumstances that I did not plan but the Lord had another plan for my time with Him.

This particular instance served as a life lesson.  I walked back to my hotel room.  I decided (being the frugal person I am) that I am not letting this drink go to waste.  I take a sip of the Dr. Pepper.  It is not too bad after all! 

This was a beautiful illustration of the thirst we should feel for our Heavenly Father.  We should long to spend time with Him.  I was so thirsty at that moment that I would settle for a drink that I previously detested.  I want to thirst for Jesus in the same way.  Jesus aches to spend each and every moment of our day with Him.  He longs for us to talk to Him…but most importantly, to be still and know that He is God!  He wants us release the guilt of feeling the need to always “do” and simply “be.” 

I am enjoying time with my Heavenly Father this week and I encourage you to “thirst” for Him like none other.  When you feel depleted, take time to just “be.”  Trust that He is in control of all things.  He will rejuvenate our souls.  The result: passion is ignited and vision is cast when we remain in His presence and listen to His small, still voice.  Allow Jesus to quench your thirst!  His living water will flow through you.

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for You, my God.”

Psalm 42:1 (CEV)

Pursuing Patience with Purpose

A few nights ago, my husband and I decided we were long overdue for a date night.  Sometimes, these date nights are as simple as doing a little shopping together.  As we walk around, it offers us the opportunity to just “be” and converse uninterrupted.  I am convinced that God had more than a “date night” in store for us this very evening.  He wanted to use us to brighten a total stranger’s day.

As we enter the first retail store, their computer is down so we wait in a long line.  The good news:  we are not in a rush.  We wait patiently.  The line is also long because the lady behind the counter is the only lady on staff for the evening.  The customer in front of us learns that she has endured a difficult day.  We listen as she shares that her dog was struck by a vehicle a few hours ago.  As we wait patiently (ok, maybe patience was being tested a bit), the telephone rings and she answers.  It is her husband bearing the bad news that her dog is going to be put to sleep while she is on shift.  She does not even receive the opportunity to say good-bye to this precious and beloved pet.  She leans on the counter and begins to sob.  At that moment, I wanted to grab an apron and longed to step behind the counter to relieve her and begin helping customers.  In the real world, I knew this was impossible.  I knew at that moment, all that was within my power was prayer.  So that is what I did.

Within moments, she pulled herself together.  She had no choice.  She was the only staff member on duty.  Her perseverance was inspiring!  My heart ached for her.

We finished our transaction and looked at each other.  It was as if we could read each other’s minds.  We walked down the sidewalk and purchased a “Chill” frozen yogurt gift card.  We knew this would not heal her heart but surely she would feel a sense that someone truly cared.  We quickly walked back to this store and there was a longer line than even before.  We did not care.  We knew God had us here for a purpose.  It was at this moment, I felt compelled to place a $20 bill inside the gift card.  As she saw us, she asked, “Did I do something wrong?”

I replied, “You could not be more wrong.  We are here to bless you.  Thank you for your smile in the midst of tragedy.  We have a small gift for you.”  In the beginning, she refused to accept.  I explained I was not taking “no” for an answer.  Finally, she graciously accepted.  She gave me a hug twice.  Her eyes welled up with tears as I shared that we are praying for her.

I was moved with emotion as I walked out with tears streaming down my face.  “Thank you, Heavenly Father…for your many blessings.  Thank you for placing me in a long line to take a moment to bless this sweet lady.  I may never witness the fruit firsthand and that is more than alright.  I pray You allowed her to see a glimpse of You within us at that very moment.”  This was my prayer to God.

I encourage you to be aware of who God places in your path today.  Ask Him how He desires to have you bless them.  It may simply be a smile.  Sometimes, that is the most meaningful blessing one can receive.  Sometimes, a smile brings HOPE.  Jesus is our ultimate HOPE.  What fruit of the Spirit will you bear today so that Jesus shines through you?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

                                                            Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)