Sixteen months ago I became unemployed. Since then my life has taken a journey I never could have anticipated. I have been stretched, deepened, challenged, humiliated, frustrated, and certifiably impatient! I've moved multiple times, cried, sighed, laughed, and been left searching for words.There is one overwhelming emotion that captures this season beyond any other, and that is thankfulness.
God has created and formulated friendships through this season that the best classified ad couldn't elicit. He has performed miracle after miracle, that no blog could hold tell of, though one day I will post a hundred tales, or so, of them. He has come along side me and revealed himself in a way that only those who have been destitute know about. Although I am in no way saying I want to be unemployed forever, I am saying that there have been some pretty incredible days and opportunities that I have been offered. Below are the details of one such day. I was in such awe that I confessed out loud that I enjoyed being unemployed. Laughter bubbled out of my lips that chilly fall night, because such a perplexing statement was so wonderfully true.
This particular day began with me cooking a delicious stir fry before the sun came up. I have been managing a friend's household, and meal preparation is one of my responsibilities. As I chopped I listened to a sermon entitled "How to Budget a Blessing". As always this pastor brought laughter to my heart as he gave his often unique take on a familiar portion of scripture. After I had seen my friend off to work, I became increasingly aware of the need to check on another friend. So I bundled up and headed out, enjoying the leading of the Spirit. As I walked I saw a youth studying a Bible on his way to school. What joy that brought to my heart, and I said a prayer for him as I continued on. I was able to meet up with my distressed friend before their work day began, and assess the further need for intercession. As I walked back home with both prayer and praise on my lips I noticed a chalk mural entitled "Before I Die I Want To". I couldn't help but to add my own entry: Live for Jesus! This statement did draw some attention, but I was able to deflect the negative and keep it moving. As I rounded the corner for home I passed a man handing out nifty New Testaments for free. I asked if I could have one to pass on, since it's not everyday you can get a Bible for free, and I prayed for this servant of the Lord as I walked away. Before I could even get to the fourth floor where I live, I was sharing the story of how I received the Bible. I was just that excited! The Spirit prompted me to ask the lady I was sharing with, if she would like the Bible. She said yes and delight filled her face as I practically skipped off of the elevator.
As the manager of my friend's household I had been disturbed that I couldn't vacuum the carpets, yet I had seen the maintenance man using a vacuum downstairs, and he agreed to let me borrow it! What favor! I was able to catch up with some other friends after vacuuming and then play my guitar. My heart was filled with worship so it was rather easy to spontaneously play and sing. Oh what joy is in that special place with the Lord. Then I was able to practice my Hindi, from the free trial Rosetta Stone software the Lord had blessed me with. If you've ever looked into purchasing Rosetta Stone, you know that this was truly a gift from God!
This very same day, I had the opportunity to go shopping for some Christmas gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Orphans and disadvantaged children really have a special place in my heart, so shopping for OCC is an awesome experience every time I have the privilege. This particular day I hit dollar store gold and found an assortment of wonderful gifts. Then being a bit of a nerd I headed to the only Smithsonian in New York. I had desired to go for a visit for quite some time, and this particular day afforded opportunity and good company. At the museum my heart was burdened with the plight of the Native American Indian. I was ashamed at how much evil was done in the name of Christ and righteousness. Although this doesn't sound joyful, it was pivotal considering the fact that I want to be involved with full time missions work in the future.
From the museum I headed to church for prayer meeting, which is always a place of strength. Afterwards I was able to help my friend study for an upcoming test. I was able to see the gifts that I have, benefit him as he readied himself for an important exam. He, in an overflow of gratitude spoke to my heart. He said, "I realize that this is an area where I don't know a lot, so I am quiet, and I look to see who I can learn from." I knew it was God speaking about what I need to be doing during this season of my life. I had asked God how, and he was showing me, and telling me. Be eager to learn, quick to listen, slow to speak, and never think that you know it all, no matter how much you know.
As I journeyed home sipping a hot tea, I couldn't help but smile in wonderment of the very full day I had, had, a day made possible only by unemployment. It was a regular school day, yet I had no need to rush to bed, no obligation to get home and prepare for the next day's work. So when I ended up engaged in an edifying conversation with one of NYPD's finest, it was no issue. It was like the cherry on a sundae to discuss with a fellow believer the darkness we see in our city, the need to both pray and stand strong for righteousness. And as if all I have written was not enough to make a great day, there was pizza waiting for me when I arrived home.
Unemployment has taught me to value relationships and people, to give of my time, and that I am valuable even without a paycheck. Those are lessons I've needed and lessons that I have grown to like.
God has created and formulated friendships through this season that the best classified ad couldn't elicit. He has performed miracle after miracle, that no blog could hold tell of, though one day I will post a hundred tales, or so, of them. He has come along side me and revealed himself in a way that only those who have been destitute know about. Although I am in no way saying I want to be unemployed forever, I am saying that there have been some pretty incredible days and opportunities that I have been offered. Below are the details of one such day. I was in such awe that I confessed out loud that I enjoyed being unemployed. Laughter bubbled out of my lips that chilly fall night, because such a perplexing statement was so wonderfully true.
This particular day began with me cooking a delicious stir fry before the sun came up. I have been managing a friend's household, and meal preparation is one of my responsibilities. As I chopped I listened to a sermon entitled "How to Budget a Blessing". As always this pastor brought laughter to my heart as he gave his often unique take on a familiar portion of scripture. After I had seen my friend off to work, I became increasingly aware of the need to check on another friend. So I bundled up and headed out, enjoying the leading of the Spirit. As I walked I saw a youth studying a Bible on his way to school. What joy that brought to my heart, and I said a prayer for him as I continued on. I was able to meet up with my distressed friend before their work day began, and assess the further need for intercession. As I walked back home with both prayer and praise on my lips I noticed a chalk mural entitled "Before I Die I Want To". I couldn't help but to add my own entry: Live for Jesus! This statement did draw some attention, but I was able to deflect the negative and keep it moving. As I rounded the corner for home I passed a man handing out nifty New Testaments for free. I asked if I could have one to pass on, since it's not everyday you can get a Bible for free, and I prayed for this servant of the Lord as I walked away. Before I could even get to the fourth floor where I live, I was sharing the story of how I received the Bible. I was just that excited! The Spirit prompted me to ask the lady I was sharing with, if she would like the Bible. She said yes and delight filled her face as I practically skipped off of the elevator.
As the manager of my friend's household I had been disturbed that I couldn't vacuum the carpets, yet I had seen the maintenance man using a vacuum downstairs, and he agreed to let me borrow it! What favor! I was able to catch up with some other friends after vacuuming and then play my guitar. My heart was filled with worship so it was rather easy to spontaneously play and sing. Oh what joy is in that special place with the Lord. Then I was able to practice my Hindi, from the free trial Rosetta Stone software the Lord had blessed me with. If you've ever looked into purchasing Rosetta Stone, you know that this was truly a gift from God!
This very same day, I had the opportunity to go shopping for some Christmas gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). Orphans and disadvantaged children really have a special place in my heart, so shopping for OCC is an awesome experience every time I have the privilege. This particular day I hit dollar store gold and found an assortment of wonderful gifts. Then being a bit of a nerd I headed to the only Smithsonian in New York. I had desired to go for a visit for quite some time, and this particular day afforded opportunity and good company. At the museum my heart was burdened with the plight of the Native American Indian. I was ashamed at how much evil was done in the name of Christ and righteousness. Although this doesn't sound joyful, it was pivotal considering the fact that I want to be involved with full time missions work in the future.
From the museum I headed to church for prayer meeting, which is always a place of strength. Afterwards I was able to help my friend study for an upcoming test. I was able to see the gifts that I have, benefit him as he readied himself for an important exam. He, in an overflow of gratitude spoke to my heart. He said, "I realize that this is an area where I don't know a lot, so I am quiet, and I look to see who I can learn from." I knew it was God speaking about what I need to be doing during this season of my life. I had asked God how, and he was showing me, and telling me. Be eager to learn, quick to listen, slow to speak, and never think that you know it all, no matter how much you know.
As I journeyed home sipping a hot tea, I couldn't help but smile in wonderment of the very full day I had, had, a day made possible only by unemployment. It was a regular school day, yet I had no need to rush to bed, no obligation to get home and prepare for the next day's work. So when I ended up engaged in an edifying conversation with one of NYPD's finest, it was no issue. It was like the cherry on a sundae to discuss with a fellow believer the darkness we see in our city, the need to both pray and stand strong for righteousness. And as if all I have written was not enough to make a great day, there was pizza waiting for me when I arrived home.
Unemployment has taught me to value relationships and people, to give of my time, and that I am valuable even without a paycheck. Those are lessons I've needed and lessons that I have grown to like.
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