ICU and a Man Named Mike

Last Friday night I rode with my sweet friend K to see her grandpa who is in ICU in a town 2 hours away. While I wasn't facing the same emotions as her and her family, the whole night was a precious experience.

I sat in the waiting room while others took turns going into the room. I had met everyone who was there, except for one aunt, during the summer. The conversation bounced back and forth between serious and humorous, between the decisions that needed to be made based on what the doctor was saying and teasing one another about many different things.

We loaded up and headed out to a restaurant to eat after the ICU closed to visitors. Once there, they seated our party of 7 in the back. As we headed back, we passed a booth, where a man, disheveled and scruffy, was slumped over sleeping, with only a pot of coffee and a glass of water on the table.

We ordered and K's dad mentioned the man, whom many of us had not even seen walking in. Someone said we should ask if he had anything to eat. We stopped a waiter and asked if he knew if the guy was homeless. The young man said that he was and that usually the restaurant would give him food at the end of the night.

After we got our food, our table continued to talk about the man, and it was suggested that we should ask him if he wanted a meal and we would buy it for him. When our waitress stopped to checked on us, we asked her if she would see if he wanted to order something. She walked over and woke him up. She came back over and said he ordered a meal.

Later as we were almost finished, the first waiter came over and told us, " Mike says thank you."

You know, what gets me most is that when we walked in, no one knew what that family was facing; the possibility of losing a father and a grandfather. And, they were loud and rambunctious as we went through our meal. But they looked out for the interests of another, someone who needed a warm meal.

The Gift of Presence

This weekend was precious to me. The events and experiences stirred my spirit and I praise God for His goodness.

I took the opportunity to spend time with my sweet friend, K. The context of this time was riding with her to see her grandpa who is in ICU in a town 2 hours away. There was a hard reality that she and her family are facing, but the tenderness I saw among them, and the deep conversation we got to share, was a beautiful reminder of the gracious presence of Jesus with us in every situation.

Then I had to privilege to have a young woman over to my place for dinner and to use my place a study refuge for finals week. It reminded me of God's call to us to come away to Him. To lay down everything, and be with someone who loves you deeply.

See, difficulties get thrown our way everyday. They will seek to take out our hearts, where the Enemy, loves to deceive us into believing that life is too hard, that is easier to give up than to keep fighting for God's kingdom.

This weekend I saw, where God has called me away to His presence to rest. He has been with me in every moment of pain and sorrow, meeting me with His tender presence. I don't need the circumstances to change to have peace. And I know more than ever what the Gift of His presence cost Him. He sent Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice that I could enjoy and worship in His presence forever. Thank You Abba, in this season for the Ultimate Gift. The gift of Jesus, the gift. of Your presence

Yes

It was just over a year ago, a group of people called The Traveling Team came to speak on campus. They revealed God's great commission through out scripture and not just Matthew 28:18-20. They challenged us to ask ourselves if our "yes" was on the table.

YES meaning that we were actively seeking God for direction and if He asked us to move anywhere to see His gospel and kingdom advance, we'd be willing to obey.

This summer I tried pulling my YES off the table. The thought of leaving the people and place where I am at seemed too much to ask. But as I prayed, and sat at Jesus feet, the more I saw His heart and the things He desires.

I am more convinced today than ever, even knowing the reality of the situation that awaits me, that after I graduate in May, I am off to a land far from my own. Some days I feel more ready than others. In the moments I am afraid, God gently reminds me that He prepared me for this and that He goes with me. In the moments I can hardly wait, I dance for joy that He chose me.

Either way, my answer is:

YES!!!

You said, "Ask and I'll give the nations to you." Oh Lord, that's the cry of my heart