Well... this will be a brief entry. One of exhortation you might say; but a lesson learned for me this week.
As I was leaving Hy Vee the other day, I noticed a tiny frail woman going through the crosswalk at a snail's pace. She looked at me and I can't put words to the expression in her eyes... solemn perhaps... nonetheless I had one hand full of groceries, the other hand toted my purse and phone, texting away of course, making arrangements to meet one of my girlfriends for lunch. Her expression changed a bit... maybe to worried as she saw that she was holding up traffic to cross the street. I kept looking back at her, knowing in my heart I was supposed to be helping her. I looked down at all the stuff in my hands and wavered as I was almost to my car. "Go back Casandra, you know she needs help.....My hands are full, how am I gonna help her" I kept this up in my mind as I continued on to my car. Once I set everything down in my car and turned to walk back I saw that she was already inside.... "Wow... Way to go" I said to myself..... and immediately this scripture from Hebrews came to my mind, Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Heb. 13:2)
I managed to biff an opportunity. (Not that I'm looking everyday to entertain an angel or anything... ) I pray all the time that God would give me opportunities to give of myself and help others, this time it was staring me in the face I managed to have EXCUSES! I was disappointed with myself and sat in my car apologizing to God and asking for forgiveness... in that moment, though I was beating myself up, I realized the weakness of the flesh... I realized how mundane life is... my friend would have waited for me, (I wait for her frequently haha) the restaurant would have still been standing, I would not have gone hungry, my phone could have gone to my purse or pocket for 2 minutes.... I would have made a good choice, I would have done good for the Kingdom.....
I realize I sound like I'm being a bit hard on myself but please understand my point. We live in a world where our phones, friends, appointments, and LIFE get in the way of LIVING!! WE get in the way of ourselves sometimes. We have constant stimulus around us all the time, we are constantly distracted, and it's no wonder we have a hard time with scripture like, "Pray without ceasing" or "do not give the devil an opportunity", or "be kind to one another". We are too busy... too busy to notice who needs help, too busy to talk to God throughout our day... so this week... I'm working on keeping my eyes open, keeping my spirit in check, listening to God... Will I miss other opportunities, yes I'm sure... but will I continue to press on... yes!! This is how we grow... Here's to entertaining angels.
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