No yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves to today.  ~Brendan Francis

 

Seems this week is full of lessons.

Borrowing from a friend, this week has been an “emotional casserole”. It might be a very good place to stay in.

 

Thinking about the recent events I’ve been a part of, being active in the present seems like the lesson which God is driving home.

Yesterday,  a girl told me she needed a ride.  After finding out the details, I made myself available to give that ride.

But that’s all I’d committed to.  I was glad to take her there. That’s all.  That’s where my generosity stopped.

Even the ride itself wasn’t particular fun or pleasant as the rider was quiet, and I felt like I had to constantly make conversation.

When we arrived at the destination some 20 minutes later, she asked me if I could come pick her up.

 

Now here is where comfort meets calling….

I had no intention of driving her back.

I had not offered it, expected it, planned for it or considered this request.

I tried to suggest she find another someone to bring her home.

After all, I’d done enough already, right?

I had taken her there.  I went out of my way.

If I hadn’t taken her, maybe she wouldn’t be there.

After a few seconds arguing within my head, I reluctantly gave her my number, and told her she could call me if she didn’t find anyone else to do it.

 

I went home and nearly forgot about it.

Had dinner with my family, watched tv, and had even started dozing off on the couch when the phone rang.

It was her!!

It turns out she needed that ride, and it was close to 10pm.

I tucked the boys in, and left to get her.

 

As I left, I was anything but gracious. I was annoyed, in fact.

It was late. I was tired. It was raining.  It was not convenient.

But as I drove into the dark night, and listened to the Christian Radio…

I was reminded that I was doing this for Christ…

The “still small voice” was speaking.

It was reminding me that doing things to serve Christ sometimes look unpleasant.

Sometimes inconvenient.

Often, it makes no sense at all.

But you never know its reach.

You never know what the outcome will be.

 

When I got there to pick her up, she was standing outside the house, and that made me sad.

I felt bad that she was outside waiting for me.  She was, essentially, alone.

The ride itself wasn’t a ton of fun.  In fact, I think we only exchanged 8 words in 20 minutes.  Kinda hard for a talker like me to be quiet for that long.

Nothing miraculous happened.  I don’t feel a sudden inexplicable bond with the rider.

All I know is that I answered a simple call.

I was able, in a very tiny way, to share some of my blessings with another.

 

Will she be changed forever because of my ride?  I doubt it.

Will I? Definitely.

It’s good to listen to HIM!

 

It has just been said,
“Listen to his voice today.
If you hear it, don’t be stubborn.
You were stubborn when you opposed me.” Hebrews 3:15[NIRV]

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , ,