We all desire those “boom”, “pow”, “bang” kinda moments in life. We want to see the big stuff, experience the impossible, and live the dream. However, something God is teaching me so far in the race is that sometimes the biggest impact can happen in the smallest way. Let’s start with the ladies in the kitchen. They are both precious and hilarious. They speak little English, but they make the effort every day to comment on my thighs and offer me some coffee…can’t complain I suppose. Also, let’s not forget to mention how they are trying to marry me off to the next available Albanian man so I wont leave; how endearing. Anyway, I have so enjoyed spending time with them in the kitchen doing the dishes and getting to know them better. They serve us each day by making our meals and cleaning for us and I have been praying for God to give me supernatural ideas of how I can serve them and give back. The other day they were doing the dishes and I walked up to say hello when I felt the urge to get in there and wash the dishes for them. I insisted that they take a seat and let me serve them. (Now, these are not small ladies, so it was quite a challenge getting them to sit and the bruises I have will prove that. Ha). After I finished the dishes, one of the ladies was telling me about her ankle. It was swollen and causing her a lot of pain she explained. Now, I don’t say this in any way to brag on myself or convince anyone I am some super missionary cause there are many times I miss opportunities and am selfish. But today I offered to pray for her. It was a small moment. It was a quick prayer and nothing too impressive. How wonderful it is that God doesn’t need my lengthy and fancy-shmancy prayers to answer. She thanked me and kissed my cheeks and we moved on in cleaning the kitchen. Nothing spectacular happened, just a small moment where I was blessed with the opportunity to show some love to this sweet woman. It’s these kinds of moments I miss a lot in my life cause I am always focused on the next big adventure, miracle or life-changing experience. I was humbled that night when she came to me and said that the swelling had gone down and she felt so much better! Glory to God! He is so good and so faithful. You see, it’s not like He needed me to heal this woman’s ankle…He’s just kind enough to let me share in His work. He loves me enough to include me in what He is already doing here – what an honor.
Another moment that captured my heart this week was with our team leader, Earta. She is a tiny, but feisty little lady and she keeps those kids in line. She doesn’t speak English, so it’s been difficult to communicate with her. Again, I prayed and asked God to give me supernatural ideas of ways to serve her. Yesterday was her birthday and we wanted to do something to make her feel loved and appreciated. I have to stop for a moment and brag on my amazing team. I am more thankful than words for the incredible people God has allowed me to do life with. They share the same desires to serve above and beyond and they push me to new levels each and every day. Honestly, they are pretty freaking awesome. As I was saying, we (as a team) wanted to bless her and with us being in Albania and her not speaking English, it was difficult to think of what we could even do to make her feel special. We decided to make her a birthday card. Who doesn’t love those? Especially homemade…doesn’t get much better than this. J But when there’s no local Target or Charming Charlie’s around, you have to make due with what you have. We colored it and all signed our names. We wrote a small, but encouraging note on the inside and gave it to her. She accepted our card with surprise and deep appreciation, in fact, she was moved to tears; she was crying over a home-made, ganky little birthday card. Wow. How I forget the smallest things can be the most meaningful. Just two months ago I had a birthday, and if someone had shown up with a homemade card for me, what would my thoughts have been? As I search my heart, I don’t think they would have been good ones.
We do not appreciate the little things. We do not think about the small moments every single day God gives us to show His love. No matter if you are in America, Kenya or Albania…we all have these tiny windows in our day to make a difference. I have been humbled, challenged, encouraged, and motivated over the past two weeks in so many ways. I am realizing that it is going to be these moments that make the race a successful trip. It’s these moments that are going to change my life in the greatest way and it’s these moments that will bring Jesus to the most people in the most practical ways.
I challenged you today, wherever you are. Pray and ask God for supernatural ways to serve someone in your life today. Just remember, anytime we ask God for something, we have to be ready for His answer, no matter what it may be.
