...weeping may endure for a night...

The past couple of weeks I’ve been calling upon the Lord to continue to fill the void in me that’s there due to the lack of relationship with my parents.  This situation is nothing new to me.  It’s just that sometimes it affects me more than other times.  It’s been my experience that with some issues I’m healed in one moment and with other healing takes place over time.  I believe that this is how the Lord is not only continuing to heal me and make me stronger in this matter, but also growing my trust in Him as my Heavenly Father. 

Just last night, I hit my knees and was crying out to the Lord about this.  I just love that I can tell Him anything on my heart and He is here listening attentively with understanding and compassion for me.  He has never failed me.

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

This scripture is so very comforting…and true.  The joy I felt the next morning was indescribable.  God is so faithful and His word is truth!

This same morning, I went on to church and the words spoken by a guest speaker were; “Your Heavenly Father loves you and is proud of you.”  I was so moved.  I needed to hear this.  His timing is so perfect!  It was continued healing for me in this situation…I am grateful!  You see, I’ve never heard those words from my earthly father.  Yes, it does hurt, but I’ve learned to take this to God and let him fill that void in my life.  And when He does this, not only do I feel better, I am stronger and trust Him even more.  It also allows me to have a growing compassion for my dad.  He only acts this way because he, himself, is hurting and hasn’t been healed.

No matter what the issues are in your life, God will see you through it if you call upon Him for help.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6  He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (See John 10:10)  Trust Him with all things in your life.  He will not fail you and He truly cares about every detail of your life…no matter how great or small.

Are we always in such a hurry that...

 I just ordered my usual here at Starbucks…my favorite place to hang out, find new friends and write.  The barista was friendly as usual and carrying on a conversation with me…as he does with many others. Unlike some days, it’s a very laid back atmosphere here today.  The gentleman in line behind me, however, didn’t seem to care much for the pace of things today.  He did everything except literally shove me out of the way while I was waiting for my receipt and order.  I sensed this and did what I could to move out of his way…even though my flesh wanted to hang out a little longer…just because!  :)

This really made me think.  In our hurry up and wait world…are we missing out on “nuggets of life” in our rush to get wherever it is we’re going?  I think back to Jesus in the Bible.  When he was on his way to different places, throngs of people would always cry out to him to be healed.  You know what’s so cool about Jesus?  He stopped and had interaction with people…even when he was on his way from point A to point B!  He healed them and then went on with his journey.  We can really learn a lot from this. 

Are we always in such a hurry that we don’t stop and take the time to visit with someone who maybe just needs someone to talk to them?  Maybe the person on the side of the road with a flat tire needs help.  Or...maybe the lady at Wal-Mart with 5 screaming kids who’s trying to get the groceries and the kids in the car in 90 degree weather needs help.  These are the “nuggets of life” I referred to earlier. 

We need interaction with other people and in instances like these, we can be a huge blessing to someone else.  But, what’s really great about this is that when we bless someone in this way, we are blessed as well.  It’s a wonderful feeling to stop what we’re doing, help someone, and then move along with the task at hand.  I have found that I’m usually not late getting where I’m going, but even if I am, it was worth those miniscule seconds, in the whole scheme of things, to stop and do what was needed. 

Take some time to stop and be a blessing to someone.  I believe you’ll find that you’ll be blessed as well.