Life Unscripted

So those that know me know that I am not an avid blogger....however, I've had several things go through my brain that kind of amount to the title - Life Unscripted. My life is anything but ordinary, and I like it that way.

Many people like their routine. They know that they will get up, go about their day, come home and finish the day. Consequently, I hope that I will get up and go through my day, come home and curl up with my cat. However, the difference is that most people have a basic idea of how their day will go and as long as there are no surprises (i.e. car breaking down, emergencies, impromptu meetings/tests, etc) they are just fine with the routine. With what I do and where I serve, nearly every day holds a "surprise" or at least something out of the ordinary. There is no such thing as an ordinary day. Lately, I find myself saying, "You can't script this stuff." The families that we serve melt in to this one big family and we share in laughter, tears, goofiness (for lack of a better word), etc. I love it.

There are times I do get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of what we do. We serve people. People come in all kinds of shapes, colors and with unique ideas, circumstances, past hurts, past successes, dreams - the list goes on. I had a lady come in that we have worked with for several years now. She is wiser than she knows. I have learned a great deal from her. I came here to be a part of changing people's lives and they have changed mine. People we serve continue to teach me. This particular day, I asked (as I always do) how she was doing. She looked up at me and lifted her foot and said, "Would you like to change shoes for a day? Try walking a mile in my shoes." Of course she didn't mean literally for me to take her shoes, even though we wear the same size.  She knows that the life she lives on the street is very difficult. She is probably one of the strongest women I know. She does not ask for much. She will ask for a hat or socks, or some clothes, but never more than what she needs. Truth be told I am a wimp and would probably not last a mile in her shoes. I know that many people probably pass her up on the street as if she is invisible - they go about their routine.

Now don't misunderstand me, routine can be healthy for many who may have grown up in an unstable environment. Part of the ministry in the transitional housing is helping families create a routine to create stability. However, we may have some what of a schedule, but we never know who will walk through the doors and whose lives we will touch or who may change our lives in the process.

God has helped me to take a step back and see things slightly different than I have ever before. One of my mentors asked the staff about the year. She asked if anything stuck out to us. I had to think hard about the question. It took about 2 days for an answer to come. I have a difficult time thinking/remembering details on demand. Another mentor has told me to journal my days for the past several years - I have yet to listen (may be a 2012 resolution?). I feel sometimes that I have somewhat "unremarkable" days. Meaning I get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of the day. Each day can culminate in to several moments of opportunity to affect some one's life. Those moments can add up to be very significant. Those moments translate in to a relationship which translates into opportunity for both persons involved to have their lives changed. For example, a man I've known for a few years now (about as long as the lady mentioned above) has been coming to the center for various needs. He was not one that I necessarily looked forward to seeing. He was kind of mean and demanding, However, in the wisdom of our director, she talked with him - showing true compassion and he started becoming calmer. More weeks went by as he still continued to come. Each visit was an opportunity to share a moment of kindness. One evening last week, he came in for a meeting. I saw him afterwards and he looked at me, sighed, and asked how I was. He grinned and gently hugged me. I saw a very gentle side of him I hadn't noticed before. All the moments before had culminated to this. God had softened him. If it hadn't been for all the moments before, he may have never gotten to this point and my life would not have been changed. It isn't about me, but it is way cool to see how God works. He is a highlight of the year in my mind. To watch God work in a such a way is amazing.

There are so many more moments I could share. I may just save them for a later post. I am reminded of a saying that a very wise man would say. He has passed on now, but his legacy still lives. I remember him saying this quite often. He would never complain about a seemingly difficult situation, he would just say, "It's not a problem, its an opportunity." How much I hope to remember that sentiment as I go through this next week and encounter moments of opportunity.

Life

Life is funny about surprising you. I remember being a naive 24 year old that thought she had it all figured out and what she was going to do in ministry. God also has a sense of humor. See, I have this habit of seeing a PIECE of the puzzle and taking off running with it instead of waiting for the rest of the pieces to follow. Now, I am 27 and I have seen myself grow. I know that I am where I am supposed to be at this very moment. I also believe I was always supposed to be here. God's timing really is perfect. I'm learning to be patient on Him and to wait for instructions as they come instead of creating my own.

Puzzles have always intrigued but irritated me. I like putting together a picture. It's a challenge and I like that. I don't like, however, the fact I can never seem to put them together. Not by myself anyway. My brother can put together a puzzle in one afternoon - no matter the size or difficulty. I obviously missed out on that gift. I get impatient and give up. Life is similar. Puzzle really give us so many object lessons about God. A very dear friend used it as an analogy recently talking about our path and how God uses each experience to mold us but not for us to get stuck. God gives us the pieces we need as we NEED them. He also allows us to experience things to teach us about letting go and allowing Him to work. That is one of the most difficult lessons, for me anyway.

Life is a journey - this we know and have heard the cliche. But, it is true. This journey requires guidance. God gives us mentors and other people to guide us. It is up to us to choose to listen and to learn.