Be Grateful

When it rains it pours. An officer walks in the front door. I approach him and extend my hand, to shake his. He begins to speak, with great detail, about this momma he has brought to see me. My thoughts pause and I begin to wonder why this world has so much hurt to offer. I want peace for this world I live in. I want to impact people. I want to add value to people. I want to love people. I want to show kindness. Would these things allow peace?

I step outside to greet her and the sun kisses my face and a small breeze softly comforts me. Outside I notice a momma unloading her belongings. She places her make shift luggage on the sidewalk next to my building. I reach for her and she slowly bows her head. I tell her “I am so proud of you”, because I know she has escaped a place of hurt. I tell her “Honey you did good. I am so proud of you. Are you proud of yourself?” Gently she nods yes.  I walk her in and we work through the mess and all the red tape that it takes to get her to a safe place. The process is not pleasant, she looks defeated and I feel helpless. My heart hurts and my eyes well up with tears. A Life Changer brings her food and pads and other things she does not have access to. Things I take for granted.

I begin to be thankful. I am thankful for my bed. I am thankful for my blankets. I am thankful for my pillow. I am thankful for my curtains. I am thankful for my TV. I am thankful for my cable. I am thankful for my clothes. I am thankful for my shoes. I am thankful for my bras and underwear. I am thankful for my bathroom. I am thankful for my bathroom mat. I am thankful for my tub. I am thankful for running water. I am thankful for electricity. I am thankful for shampoo. I am thankful for conditioner. I am thankful because I sit in the same room with a woman that has none of these things. Everything she owns in this life fits in 6 small plastic bags. Are you thankful for all that you have or like me do you take things for granted? Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The van that has been sent to pick her up is parked outside. She stands alone with nothing and there is no one. She seems unsure and I assure her all will be well. She softly speaks “Can you hug me?” I hug her and as I squeeze her tightly. I bring her in as I would my own children. I silently pray that she may experience love. I pray that she feels the love I have for her. I pray that her needs would be met. I pray for courage. I pray for peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that she experience perfect love. The kind of love that only God can offer.

Be grateful. Be kind and love someone. Love someone that doesn’t know how to love you back.