Now and not yet

I hope that you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. The Moldova trip is quickly approaching and I'm excited and a bit anxious to meet my team (anxious in an up-coming birthday kind-of-way).

Recently a friend and I played at a local cafe to raise some funds to cover medical expenses for a beautiful 11 year old girl by the name of Amanda, who was in a horribly unfortunate accident this past spring. The fact that she is alive is a miracle. A few of us went over to visit with her and drop of the raised funds a couple of nights ago. She's now having to relearn how to do everything. That night we had the chance to see her tackling the process of swallowing, which is a big deal for someone who was wasn't supposed to survive. We'd talk to her and get an ocassional smile (also a big deal). Still, there is something inside of me that just wants everything better. This is my biggest struggle. I know God loves Amanda with a love far bigger, and more perfect than mine. I know that she is precious to Him. Still, it breaks my heart.

It's that ache that gives me my greatest challenge. I'm not grappling with my belief in God, just my emotions. A church I went to while I went to college spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven being both, "now and not yet." I believe that Christ's heart loves in the now. I believe that there is grace in the now. The "not yet" part is what I don't enjoy dealing with in my "right now." Yet, I'm beside myself with anticipation about going to Moldova. The world is neither fair nor perfect... yet. However, I can be present to act as a point of contact for a Moldovan orphan. I can give a smile now. I can laugh and hug now. I can put a warm sock on a cold foot. For this I can be grateful.

For those who have given of their resources so that I can be a part of the Moldova Relief Project, I am most thankful. It's about lighting candles in dark places. It's about, "being there." It's about doing something in the now. Even though the world is far from where we would like it to be, but we can all do something in the now. Let's make it our aim to do that. Give somone a hug, a smile, or a kind gesture. Go visit Amanda's site to see if there is anything you may feel like you want to do for her (http://amandamohler.blogs.com/).

Grace and peace to you.

Grateful

I sit here overstuffed and aware that I just consumed one meal (with plenty left over) that amounted to what some people eat over the course of a few days. This is a grace to me. One that I am grateful for. I am thankful for the provision of shelter that protects me from the elements. I'm certainly appreciative for the abundance of food that I was able to share today. I am also very grateful for the presence of family that I was able to enjoy this year.

Whereas last year I only wished for hope, this year I have hope. Grace abounds.

The Revolution Starts Now

Preparations are now under way to make the world a better place. As democrats and republicans bicker over who gets credit for what, and make grabs for power, there are those who just want to see things get done.

While growing up, my brothers and I would argue over chores. We'd argue mainly over responsibilities and recognition (hmm...). My parents would say, "It would be amazing what could get done around here if nobody was concerned with who got the credit." Though this was said almost in passing, it has proven itself to be profound.

My heart just wants to see a difference made in this world for the better. So, I'm taking a step. Actually, a couple of teams will be leaving for Moldova in just three weeks. We will be going from place to place (mostly orphanages) distributing socks and winter boots/shoes. This will be my first trip of this nature, so I'm not entirely sure what to expect, but I welcome it none the less.

I'm extremely grateful for those who have given me a chance to take an active role in this endeavor. For the folks at Trinity Episcopal, Mt. Airy Rotary Club, SouthData, and each individual who has shown their support for me... I am very thankful.

Do something random and wonderful for somebody today.