Friday, July 20, 2012

Stirring...

There's been something stirring lately.  Actually, a little more than lately.  The past few months there have been small discussions, little drops of conversation and some mulling inside of my head.  I think that most of you know by now that I like to serve.  I love missions, mission trips, helping others.  We have always felt called in some unique way to live it out.  In my brain, I always thought that "calling" must be or would be overseas.  Parts of my heart live in Africa and Haiti.  I cannot wait to go back!  But then there is the stirring...

One of the conversations that happened a couple of months ago had to do with people's willingness to serve over oceans and across continents, but their unwillingness to serve their neighbor, their community.  Even worse, the unwillingness to serve those who scare us, who seem too rough-on-the-edges, dirty, {let's be really honest here...} but maybe those who seem "less than".  I'm guilty.  Guilty of being scared.  Guilty of using the excuse that I need to stay safe or keep my kids safe.  Guilty of being "busy". 

Not to say that you should drop your guard or not be street smart.  You should always be aware and be cautious.  But I've seen some things lately.  Paying it forward doesn't take much.  Look people in the eye when you say hello.  Give a truly warm smile when you ask how they are.  SEE them.  Everyone wants to be seen.  Everyone wants to be loved.  There are people right where we live who need to be touched.  What would happen if we all slowed down, just a little, to see, to smile, to ask? 

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it's important to serve.  Overseas, at home, next door, down the street and "downtown".  Live it out, love it out.  You never know what your impact will be!

5 comments:

  1. I agree so much! Its important to love people wherever we are in our day to day living. It amazes me when people can cry over orphans overseas and then gossip about their neighbor in the next breath. God's love knows no limits.

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  2. So true! We need to learn to simply love.

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  3. Amen! I agree. I think sometimes we forget that there are many hurting people right around us. We are a 'rich' country, however we have so many hurting, disturbed, poor, worldly people right in our back yard! Thanks for reminding me Heidi!

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  4. So true! We need to learn to simply love.

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  5. Okay, I don't know what's up with the duplicate comment at 6:30 am :)

    But, I agree with both of you! Thankfully you two lovelies know how to live it out!

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