Monday, April 16, 2007

His, hers, and hours


This past Sunday's bible study lesson was on giving. It is a challenge to communicate to 11th and 12th grade girls as it is, but especially when they only had three hours of sleep the night before. Prom was Saturday, and the two girls that made it to Life Changing Bible Study were barely coherent at best. It was a good lesson, though, out of 2Corinthians. We talked about giving with the right motives and the right attitude, and making sure that our hearts were in the right place so that our giving would truly be an expression of our worship. And my personal favorite, that God would be glorified and praised because of our generosity. Good stuff!

I know that this lesson is referring to material wealth, but my mind tends to turn towards time. For some, parting with the cash is a big thing. But I think many people can very comfortably put a few dollars into the collection plate each week, even with a cheerful heart, but regard their time as a precious commodity. And it is just that. A very precious commodity. We only have so many hours on this planet, and then we're out of here!

Time has really been on my mind lately. As I am going through all of these changes (as mentioned in my previous post), I am really trying to reevaluate where my time is spent. I love to give my time to serving. The ministries that I have the pleasure of serving in are awesome, and right where I need to be, I'm sure. I feel like I was hand-crafted to be in creative arts and working with youth. But my heart is aching for some other groups lately, and I am confused a little by all of it. And not only is my heart pulling me that direction, but the opportunities are there as well.

First of all, addicts have been on my heart. I have personally experienced addiction. Not as deep as some, but probably deeper than a lot of folks. And I come from a family that has been plagued with addiction in one form or another. So I guess I have an understanding and a sympathy for those who suffer with addiction. And it is suffering for some. I have friends and family members and know of many others who have sincerely wanted to get off of their crutch. They hate who they are. They are miserable on it, but feel like they are dying without it.I have been attending meetings with a group of people who also have a heart for addicts and want to do something about the drug problem that has saturated our area. A friend also mentioned starting a service or small group at our church for those who have addiction problems, and that I might be a good person to be involved in that, and that idea has really stuck to me.

Then there is the next group. Children. I have no particular calling to teach or work with large groups of young children. I am good with my own girls, but I admit that we've got our own thing going, and it works. However, I am very drawn to children who have rough lives. Poor living conditions, abusive or negligent parents, etc. At one point, I was dead set that, if I was chosen, I would join the Jr. Axillary this year. They do so much for the kids through DHS! They supply clothing, toys, school items, and many other necessities. It is an excellent organization!

But then I came across opportunity #2 in the children's department. C.A.S.A. I don't know what that stands for yet, but they are an awesome group! They are volunteer advocates for children who have been sent to foster homes. You spend time with these little children to learn the details of their home life. Then you talk to their doctors and schools and gather all the information needed to represent them for their court hearing. It keeps the child from having to testify before a judge and possibly stand face to face with their perpetrator. You stick with your child throughout the process until they are either reconciled with their family or placed in adoption. I love this whole concept. I cannot imagine a 6 year old being pulled out of their terrible home, taken to a total stranger's house, and then the court battle begins. These advocates really keep these already hurting children from going through more trauma. Wow, I want to do that, too!

That's my problem, I want to do all of these new projects without giving up the others! And I still have a family, oh yeah......and a job. However, that is a part of my change. I have officially cut back to three days a week, and we'll see what happens from there! WOOHOO! So there's 16-18 extra hours per week. But, we are also opening the Coffee House again, and Beyond Walls (our outreach band at church) is kicking it into high gear starting next month.

So help me pray for clarity. I am really trying not to commit to anything new, yet. I want to be the very best I can be for the Kingdom, so I am trying to understand where exactly that is.

I found these two verses in 2 Corinthians, and they gave a lot of hope and peace....

3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.

7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

5 comments:

  1. If you could bottle your energy, you'd be rich!

    I love the grace God has given you to do so much serving!

    You really will have to be careful not to burn out, though. You don't want to be a shooting star!

    I'm praying for you!

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  2. Your a good person Spring. The Lord is working in your life like crazy. I too have that outreached wing that I like to place the not so fortunate under. So, I feel your desires to mentor and help others in need. Just pray and God will guide you.
    Your awesome!
    love ya girl

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  3. As trite as this sounds...please make sure that as you serve, you are also taking care of your own spirituality or you will burn out and bad. Having been totally outwardly focused before, I know from experience that God will be really clear about which things he wants you in, but you have to be willing to allow him to set those limits...even if you see a need. That's the hard part...you'll get there, I am sure!

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  4. Hi, my name is Jéferson, and I'm brazilian, I found your hourglass.jpg, very deep and wonder. Is your painting? Or where you found it?
    thanks

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  5. jeferson.dias@br10.com.br

    ReplyDelete