Two weeks ago I went to the hospital here in town to get a test done. My new infertility doctor wanted to perform the dye test to check and make sure my tubes were open and everything was positioned correctly. I was nervous because I knew the results of this test could steer things in dramatic ways. We could discover that I needed surgery…..or worse, that even surgery wouldn’t fix anything.
And also, I’m a chicken and I was afraid the test would hurt. They told me at the office that it would be “uncomfortable” so that obviously meant that I had great cause to panic. I know, I’m going to be a mess when I actually have to birth a child.
So there I was, standing in the room in my hospital gown, waiting for the nurse to come get me. I was trying to be brave, but not doing a very good job of it. My weak prayers seemed to fall short of even making it through the ceiling. The nurse walked in and led me into the x-ray room and I waited on the doctor to come in and perform the test. I tried to hide the fact that I was trembling, but I doubt I was doing a good job. My nurse tried to make small talk and I tried to focus on learning about her and her family.
The doctor finally came in and got everything ready. As he was beginning the test, the nurse just took a few small steps towards me and put her hand on my shoulder. Immediately, I felt God’s peace wash over me and I just knew that God was reaching out to me through this woman.
The test results were normal, by the way. It was certainly “uncomfortable” but I did not die. 😉
Yesterday we listened to a guest speaker at our church. She and her late husband spent almost their entire lives as missionaries in India. The ministry they built together there is astounding. Over 700 churches and 200 schools built. A hospital they built that has provided free health care to over 880,000 people. A daily feeding program that feeds over 25,000 people every day. This woman and her husband are absolute champions for Christ.
Yet it’s easy for us to hear stories of people like this and feel so very small. This woman and her husband have influenced millions of lives, what can I do? I work for a national cemetery in the middle of nowhere. I don’t have any major talents or giant platforms. I probably won’t ever record a CD and tour around the world, or write a dozen books and speak to millions of women. I get caught up in gigantic goals and feel discouraged at how impossible they seem in my right here and now.
But then I remember what a difference a hand on my shoulder made, and I realize that it doesn’t take much to make an impact. I can change the course of someone’s day by offering a simple hug, or by taking some time to listen and pray, or by simply putting my hand on someone’s shoulder in sympathy. We don’t have to be building schools and hospitals to be making a difference for Christ. Making a difference for Christ is found in both the huge and the small things.
Today is Monday, which means we have a brand new week ahead of us with brand new opportunities to show God’s love. Don’t believe that because you aren’t serving overseas or preaching to thousands of people that you do not have the capacity to shine the light of Christ. Stretch out those hands and touch a hurting soul this week. Offer comfort to the lonely. Go buy a meal for the homeless man you see begging on the street. Call up the friend who just lost her grandmother and ask her what you can do for her. Pray for a cancer patient.
We are all called and anointed to do God’s work here on earth. And who knows? Who knows what God will do with a simple prayer or a small meal offered in faith?
I hope everyone has an amazing week! I love you all so very much! Now, let’s go be difference-makers this week!!
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xoxo,
