Louie's post was on my mind at the Samaritan House last night. I thought about how much I was actually helping these men by scooping peaches onto their plates. Am I really making a difference? This isn't to say that the peaches don't need to be scooped, or that I am there to be sure that I, personally, make a difference. But I couldn't help but be challenged to do more. These men so obviously need more than peaches, or dinner for that matter. I don't know what else I can or should do, but if I can and should do more, I've been praying that God would show me what that is. I've talked to Louie and Kevin about having a few people come over from Lydia to Samaritan House. Mckenzie noticed that when there is a bigger more homogeneous group there that the atmosphere can be more joyful and not as lifeless. I really don't know how to serve the men better, but we can all pray that God would show us.
While we were waiting for some people to meet at the park, we saw a guy doing some crazy fire dance at the park across the street, swinging these chains with fire balls at the end. He and a woman he was with were practicing for a party they were going to, and it was only his second time ever doing it. It was so random and cool. When the woman started twirling a fire hula-hoop around her waist I thought it would be a good time to get my camera. Louie said what I think all of us were thinking "This is why I love Long Beach!!"
Very inspiring story Mike! I think you shouldn't excuse the fact that you did serve them on Tuesday which I totally believe made a difference, whether big or small, if you weren't there that was one less person to scoop peaches. I also think you have to look at serving as one body with your fellow christians all over the world, that even though you are contributing maybe a "small part" compared to those who's been serving for decades in Africa, something like that, we are all doing our part spreading the love of God. You alone can't do more than what God calls you out to do, but as long as you're MOVING and following the commandment of Jesus, that is a blessing and God will reward you for that. If He calls you to serve more, you will be there, if He just wants you to serve here in Long Beach, then that is where you'll be. I believe everybody has a job here on Earth given by our Father and I'm sure He has more in store for you in terms of serving, just keep doing what you're doing; pray and ask and he will provide. He is definitely proud of you for doing this and so is everybody in the college community, don't forget that!
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ReplyDeleteI second Wisdom for sure! Even the smallest service can reveal God's love, even the mundane peach-scooping you experienced. But I was so inspired when you said "these men need so much more!" It's that awareness that leads to boldness...taking risks and stepping outside what we normally do. Like Wisdom said, pray and ask that he'd provide opportunities to love them more, and it'll happen. I'm convinced from hearing your story that there is a movement taking place, that those of you serving there will have those opportunities. It's coming and it's gonna turn things upside-down, because that's what God's love does. I'm convinced that he is using you all, and especially after hearing this, see that he has so much more in store. Keep your eyes open. It's gonna get exciting.
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