Worthy

"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)

Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.

It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.

As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.

I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!

One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.

Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.

Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.