I cried last night. For those of you who don’t know me, I DO NOT LIKE TO CRY! I usually only cry when I’m in pain, and last night my heart hurt.

I was doing my regular blog surfing & it was Big Mama’s turn. She told me that I needed to go read this, so I did. It punched me in the gut.

It wasn’t so much the story, which was very thought-provoking, but the comments that got to me. So many people searching, longing, hurting, confused. I realized what a sheltered, self-centered life I live. My life revolves around good things – youth ministry, women’s ministry, teaching Bible class, VBS, homeschooling, homemaking, marriage. You might notice there is not much interacting with the “World” in that list.

I believe I am doing what God has called me to do. The gifts He has given me are for strengthening & building up His body. I think what caught me so off guard last night was the realization that people are hurting and empty and need God (I knew that already) and they KNOW they are hurting and empty and need God (that’s a new thought for me).

I will start being more intentional with my actions & words when out in public. I’ve always tried to be kind & considerate – I would have helped that lady with her highchair in a heartbeat! It never occurred to me what an impact something so simple could have on a person. I just do those things because it’s what I do, who I am, Who’s I am. I am going to start searching for lives to touch at the grocery store instead of just touching the lives that cross my path while I’m standing in line. Ministry in the midst of the mundane.

I went to sleep last night repenting of my selfishness, for spending too much time dwelling on my failures as a ministry leader & homemaker and not enough time letting Jesus work in me & through me. Still so much to learn, so much to learn.

I was listening to the radio in the car this morning, singing along at the top of my little lungs.

“Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name”

That part of the song always takes me back 7 years to Elijah’s battle with Leukemia. We were walking down that road. But this morning my thoughts were on Heather. She is being prepped for brain surgery as I type this. If you have not stopped by her blog, GO.READ.NOW. You will be challenged, strengthened, the hair will stand up on your arms as you read of her Faith that runs so deep.

As I was thinking of Heather, the song ended & we were reminded that today is the National Day of Prayer. My eyes filled with tears. How fitting that Heather’s surgery is scheduled today. Her tumor was discovered by an ear infection, she got an appointment in 2 days that should have taken 6-8 months to secure, and now she is having surgery on a day when the entire nation is taking a few moments to stop & at least acknowledge our God. He never ceases to AMAZE me!