Blessed Sunday

I was blessed with a reminder this week. One that I needed. I was reminded to listen to the Spirit of God who lives in me. To listen to Him and act.

You see, sometimes I have these thoughts of things I need to do and sometimes I even write them down on my to-do list. And sometimes I don't do them even then. I think of doing them and plan on doing them and want to do them. But I don't for whatever reason. Usually these Spirit led thoughts are about other people. Thoughts that I need to call a certain person or send a card to someone who needs it. But then, somehow, times passes by and I don't do it and the thought and opportunity is gone.

The reminder this week came in the form of a sweet lady from church. One who has been on my heart and in my prayers and on my "send a card to" list for a long time. I have prayed for her and sent thoughts of peace and comfort her way. But I failed to send a note or card or even an email. I didn't think too much about it. Surely she was getting lots of love from those who are closer to her than I. Surely she didn't miss my one little card telling her I loved her and was praying for her. Besides, it's the thought that counts, right?

Well, this lady, the one who'd been on my heart, came to me this week with the worry that she'd done or said something that hurt my feelings. The time we'd spent together before had changed and since I'd seemed to have pulled away, she was worried. The pulling away wasn't intentional. Just changes in schedules and family needs. There were no problems. We love and cherish the friendships we have with this family and the others with whom we had mutually spent time. But, because I hadn't told her that, she thought that maybe the separation was her fault. But nothing could be further from the truth. I adore and respect her so, so much.

So here's where the reminder came in. Because, if on any one of the hundred occasions that I'd thought of her, I would have called or sent a card, her worry could have been alleviated. That's why I'd had those thoughts in the first place. During a time in her life when the last thing she needed was to be worried about me, she was. And the Spirit, who knows her thoughts as well as mine, was telling me to let her know I loved her so that her worry would be taken away. But even though I heard the Spirit's whispers, I didn't listen. I didn't act. And by ignoring the nudging guidance of the dear, sweet Spirit, I hurt someone else. Someone who I should have and could have encouraged with just a word. He knew. He told me. I didn't listen. I failed.

But hopefully, hopefully, this reminder will help me to be a better Spirit listener and to fail a little less in the future. And the next time I hear His whisper, I'll try with all my heart to not let the chance to obey pass me by.

Wednesday WORD

Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace. If you obey the Lord, he will watch over you and answer your prayers. 

Psalm 34: 14-15

10 Things Thursday

10 things about school today.

1. We had a Valentine's Day party.
2. We went on a skating field trip.
3. The kids ate cupcakes and marshmallows.
4. And candy and cookies.
5. We passed out valentine cards and treats.
6. And because of all that, my kindergartners were vibrating with excitement.
7. Dads on skates should probably be warned when racing against a mom who is a roller derbier.
8. At least she just beat them in the race and didn't take anyone out.
9. She wouldn't even take out the middle schoolers I pointed out to her.
10. And tomorrow I have to go clean my classroom because it looks like Cupid exploded all over it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Blessed Sunday

It took my friends a long time to talk me into joining the world of Facebook. They would say things like:

"I'm calling to tell you our movie plans since you're not on Facebook." 

and

"Did you hear that So And So is pregnant/had her baby/is engaged/went to Costco today? No? Oh, right, you're not on Facebook." 

and 

"You'd know that my sister's friend's daughter's goldfish died IF you were on Facebook!" 

I had no desire or need to have one more thing to take up my time. Especially one that involved a screen. But then, I fell into the trap and joined. Mainly to be able to sell things on Shop and Swap. (I've sold a total of ONE item.) Since then, I've found that I really enjoy getting to know far away friends and relatives and catching up with old friends and sharing my life with all of them. I love meeting everyone's kids and watching them grow. I'm glad I get to share, in at least a little part, in their families' joys. And I am blessed to be able to pray for them when they need that, too. And I also like being in the loop for movie nights/birthday parties/book clubs...

Never did I think that I would count Facebook as a blessing. But it has become that. Last night I had a private message conversation with someone from my past who is a new Facebook friend. We talked about kids and marriages and high school and mutual friends. And the funny part is, I think it was the first conversation I ever really had with her. She's a few years older than me and when we were teenagers I thought she was super pretty and cool (which she still is, by the way). I was way too shy then to talk to her much. But thanks to the years and Facebook, we're friends now. And that makes me happy.

So with a sigh and resignation to hearing, "I told you so," I will say that Facebook is a blessing. But far and away more of a blessing is the old and new friends it has brought into my life.

Whispers

I've come to believe and embrace the truth that prayer is not just talking to God while he sits back and takes notes on all the things I need and want and ask him for. It's not even Him basking in the glory of my praise and adoration. Prayer is a conversation. A two way street. Yes, I ask and praise and maybe even cry out to God, but I also listen. I have become acutely aware that in those quiet moments when it's just me and my Lord, he speaks. In the quiet whispers and in my thoughts and in spontaneous reminders of his Word. I've even come to understand that my conscience is His Spirit living in me. That understanding makes it really hard to ignore my conscience. Which is what it's all about, right? To not ignore those thoughts and feelings and nudges that come from the Spirit.

Sometimes it's hard. I'll be praying about something and this thought pops into my head that gives some clarity to the situation. I used to think, "Hmmm...that's a weird/wise/wonderful thing for me to think right now." But as I've grown older, and closer to God I suppose, I've recognized those thoughts as Him speaking to me. And it's not always what I want to hear. So it's hard.

That happened yesterday morning. I was praying about two of the girls in my afternoon class. They struggle a little...maybe even a lot. And they have less than perfect home lives. And they are searching and trying so hard to be loved and so in need of some guidance. So I was praying for them. For their hearts and souls and for God to protect them. And for God to send someone to help them. To love them and teach them to love themselves and each other and Jesus. And then it happened. He whispered. And His words were not what I expected. He told me that I was that person. The one He had sent into their lives. My soul screamed, "NOOOOOO!" Not because I don't love them and care about them and want to help them. But because it's just something else to fill the little time I feel like I already have full. And, honestly, they kind of drive me crazy. I spend every afternoon with them in class, which is one thing. But taking the time and making the effort to do more? I don't know about that. But there was that whisper. And who am I to ignore it? Who?

So now I'm trying, and struggling, to come up with a plan. One that will make a difference in the lives of two girls who need something different. And I am listening for His whisper once again to help me do what He wants me to do. Because I trust that He never gives me more than I can handle. Even when it's two teenage girls.

(I'd be glad to hear any suggestions from those who might have some. It takes a village, you know.)