Waiting rooms

    Sitting in a waiting room. How many stories there must be. Many are probably cliche but ever person is unique and every person has a story. I love people and their stories. I love to listen to what they've gone through and how it's shaped them into the person they are today. 

   An older gentleman is sitting here in a wheel chair. One could put it off and simply say he's some old guy waiting for a check-up here at the doctors office. But I look at the ware in his eyes as he stares intently at the electrical closet. He isn't interested in the TV. He isn't looking around trying to find some way of occupying his mind like many of us young people. No he already has stories in his past to dwell on. The chaos of children and blabby adults around him bothers him none. His leathered skin speaks of hard work in his younger years out in the sun. No time for the latest greatest in today's technology. Sometimes what we've been through is so much more important. The sadness in his slouch, he seems tired. Tired of life. Tired of daily issues that no longer have relevance as an older man. Just some things I observe. Perhaps the joy is missing. The joy of Christ and the life to come when knowing Him. I take this moment to pray for him that he knows Christ. No one should be so worn, so sad, so disconnected from what is around and be lost to hope. The hope of heaven. 

   Any number of things could be going on. And observation is probably hardly a glimpse into what his life may be like. But I know his life is unique and he has a story. I only wish I could have heard it before he left. Maybe one day I'll ask the next person who seems to have a story.  Though we all have stories. But who is willing to share?

   Just some thoughts....

Writing Therapy - Pt 2: Growing Pains

   I must be growing because so much has been changing and it doesn't always feel good. What can one say when they love so much that it hurts? I love people. I love fellowship. Most importantly, I love serving Jesus. It's been hard with the changes going on around me to find where I fit. Just when I feel I've been put in a place that I belong, a place where I learn about new people and make new friends, a ministry that I can truly use my talents to bless the Lord, things change and I get moved elsewhere. All I can gather is the Lord has a better plan for me. I didn't think it could get better, sometimes I fail to see that life isn't in my control. I don't hold the universe in my hands and wield great cosmic power. But I have faith and trust in the God who does. God is preparing me for something. I'm trying to rid of the fear that may be holding me back. The fear that takes me to dark places. Scripture is so comforting right now in the midst of these battles. I pray that sweet comfort ever leads.
   I used to have this great idea planned out for my life. I always knew that it more of a dream rather than reality, but truth is, I never thought of reality coming my way either. I always avoided the thoughts of what I might actually have to do with my life. Until recently. Suddenly I'm excited for reality. The reality that I am a human vessel for the Lord's work. While the 'how' is still a mystery, along with the 'when', I know that it's the direction my life is headed.
  'Patience is a virtue' they say. Well, patience is something I have a feeling I will struggle with for the rest of my days. There is that and so many other things I am working on in my life. Letting God mold me too. It hurts a bit, but I did ask Him to do it. I can only blame myself. Plus, with and artist like Christ, there has to be something beautiful in the end. I'm hoping for a crystal clear picture of Christ. They may be high standards, but God shouldn't settle for anything less.