Progress

Sometimes I simply feel like I need to back-track. Retreat if you will. I can find myself so deep into something that I've lost sight entirely of what I was originally looking for. I can stare at, look up, breakdown, cross reference, and research my way out of a paper bag. I want all the details and can zone in on them till I think I have them all wrapped up. And then God taps me on the shoulder and shatters it all.

He won't let me keep my world nice and small and organized. And I am so very thankful.

Recently, I've received that tap and I'm reminded of a quote by C.S. Lewis which says,

" Progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man."

Stepping back with a fresh new look and reclaiming the bigger picture, what do I see?

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"

Jesus said to them, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and Prophets." --- Matthew 22:36-40

EVERYTHING hangs on these two commandments.

Monthly, Twin Pines Nursing Home has what is called Pet Therapy hour. Those residents that are able, gather in the activity room and anticipate with expectation that people in the community will take the time to bring in their pets and share this wonder of creation that God has blessed man with in the form of animals.

I felt a nudging to 'get up and do some good' if you will, (Psalm 36:3) so we loaded up some of our pets, called our neighbor's to see if they'd want to join us, and headed off to the nursing home with 5 children and 4 rabbits.

As we drove in I instructed the children that I wished for them to make 1 connection with somebody who they felt needed some extra love this day. Linger and visit. Touch their hands or arms. Look into their eyes. Share and ask questions. I vowed that I would do the same.

Tallis immediately made a connection with an elderly woman who was visiting someone else in the nursing home. He sat and visited with her earnestly the entire hour. She came up to me afterwards and expressed that it was such a delight to her to have gotten to visit with him.

Tori sought out an elderly lady with a contagious smile and a heart of joy. They both visited grinning from ear to ear as they stroked Lilac the rabbit.

Zayne and Nevie acted as social butterflies. Zayne strode from person to person shoving his basket full of rabbit meticulously in from of each and every resident there. He received many compliments on his green vest and boot tops and he repeated at least 15 times, "thank you," in response. I was so proud of how he rose to duty's call right during his nap hours.

Nevie, picked up the empty rabbit baskets, hooked them through her arms and gave high-fives, blew kisses, and twirled in circles much to the residents amusement. I think she might have been a bigger hit then the rabbits. She was fascinated by the many slippers right at her eyes level and tried to take them off of the women's feet. This brought many giggles amongst them all.

The above woman was my biggest connection. I remembered her from a church we used to attend in Kirksville about 8 years ago. She didn't remember me but I recalled her and her husband well. After introducing myself to her I knelt beside her and gave her my full attention. She shared how her husband had passed away just last month. I'd had no idea. She asked me if I remembered him. I said I sure did. We visited about him. His interest and love of the youth. How he drove the church van. We recalled his big smile. I told her how I'd always noticed how much love he showed her. Her eyes filled with tears.

Then we talked about Heaven. He knew Christ. She knows Christ. She said she is waiting to go see him again. I told her to hang onto that promise but also to enjoy each remaining day that the LORD gives her. She smiled and squeezed my hand.

This is a glimpse of what yesterday looked like for our family. We chose to spend a short hour of our day reaching out and loving others, doing some good for God, NOT because of works but because of love. It was an amazing time. As we blessed others the blessing flowed back upon us.

What if every morning I was to wake up and meet God where He was working? What if I was to let go of all the little details and just love?

I'd be closer to the place where God wants me to be. I would be making some progress.