Lesson from the Toddler Table

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world...

Why does Jesus tell us that we must change and become like a little child if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:3-4)

Today, I saw a little girl do a beautiful thing for her friend. She is about 2-3 years old, a tiny little sweetheart with big brown eyes and dark hair. She is one of four toddlers who sit at a small table by themselves in the children's home where I volunteer. They were all eating their breakfast of eggs, green beans, black beans and chopped up ham, when the little girl next to her finished and wanted more. I headed to the kitchen to ask about getting her some, but they had run out of it, so I had to go back and tell her, "No mas."

She was just starting to fuss about it, when her friend pushed her own plate of food in her direction. I tried to verbily clarify the situation (which normally causes more confusion), to make sure that she really was intending to give the food to her friend. The little sweety nodded yes and of course I gushed over her about how nice she was and made a big deal about thanking her. She smiled and then went on as if nothing unusual had happened.

Maybe I'm making too much of this, but this little darling gave sacrificially for the sake of her friend. She saw a need and met it, without considering the consequences, like being hungry later. She didn't do it to get attention or to earn praise. It was a brief moment in the morning, but it touched my heart.

When was the last time I gave sacrificially, without considering the cost to myself? Am I willing to do what God wants, even if I don't receive praise or a moment in the spotlight? Perhaps I need to humble myself and become more like this little girl, so I don't miss what God wants to do. The Bible talks about laying down your life for your friend, having real love for others and doing your acts of righteousness in secret. May Jesus help me!

Goat Taco Anyone?

Okay...I admit it. My perspective of normal has been slightly adjusted since arriving in Mexico. I realized this last Saturday when I stopped at a taco stand to eat lunch with my friend. Now, I've eaten some unusual cuisine here in Oaxaca. I've tried gusano (worm), chapilines (fried grasshoppers), elote (corn with mayo, chili powder and lime juice), and green chicken soup with the whole chicken in it. So, Saturday, as we sat down to dine on goat tacos, I couldn't help but think that it seemed fairly normal.
In a lot of ways, I'm grateful for that. I'm thankful that life here has begun to feel more settled and not always so shocking as it was when I first arrived. It's good that God is bringing me to a point of acceptance here. It's so exciting to see His hand at work. Yes, there are still times when I roll my eyes and think, "Why do they do it THAT way?" But even in those moments, I am still so thankful to be here.

And, each day, I am thankful for your sacrifice and care because I see that God has a reason for me being here and you have made that physically possible. I see relationships growing and I am grateful for the doors God has opened for further ministry with Mexican nationals, as well as, my continued work at OCS.

Please continue to pray that God will direct my steps and show me His will for the future. At this point, I would like to stay longer, but please continue to pray that God will supply for my needs. Thank you!

Please let me know if I can ever pray specifically for you or your family. You have done so much to bless my life and to further the ministry here in Oaxaca, but please allow me to partner in prayer for your needs, as well.

Janene

Encountering God on the Bus

Well, God did it again. He showed up in an unexpected place…on the bus. The bus used to be a place of anxiety for me. I would climb on hoping that I really had chosen the correct bus, then I would ride the whole way with a gnawing fear in the pit of my stomach that I had possibly chosen incorrectly. It was not a place where I thought God might show up to commune with me, but today He did.

I was on my way to church, so I popped in my headphones and was listening to some worship music. Immediately, God began speaking to my heart and drawing me to Himself. He reminded me that He is the Light that shines to all in this dark world. He is the Perfect Redeemer, the Star of the Morning and He will never change. God reminded me that not only is He my Hope, but He is the Hope whom the lost in this world desperately need to see.

Sometimes, I get busy with life and I forget why I do what I do. It’s not that I turn my back on God or blatantly fall in to sin; I just don’t always take adequate time to REALLY meet with God. I need His continual renewal. If I don’t personally experience what a relationship with God means, how can I share His love with the people who are drowning in sin around me? How can I show them the Answer to their hopelessness?

So, that was a piece of what God did in my life today on the bus. This week, I am going to pay more attention in unexpected places. Where do you think God might speak to you this week?