Dressing Me Up

After the third cancelled event in one week, I began to ask God why He kept dressing me up with no place to go.

Because I’ve learned the benefit of being spontaneous, the first time it happened, I went to a Warrior Transitional Battalion and introduced myself instead of going straight back home. It proved the right thing to do because out of it came an opportunity to speak and encourage Soldiers who are struggling in their transition from wartime to peace. It was a victory, not a disappointment in my mind; so when it happened again the very next day, my mouth fell open.

There I was fully dressed at the IHOP, ready for a prayer breakfast with my husband’s Soldiers and their family’s when I find out that it’s for not so much for the family, but ALL for the Soldier. It was 7:30 in the morning and I was dressed with all matching layers. I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t supposed to be at home again. “Lord, where do you want me to go this time?” I asked.

I decided that since I was new in town, I would go and visit local rehabs and transitional housing centers in the area. After visiting five homes and giving one hopeful addict a ride to a recovery class, I was again pleased with the outcome of the day. Now, I was familiar with local programs that I can refer others to. Two days in a row, I was challenged with being flexible; Two days in a row, the Lord blessed my efforts. It was a double score. But later on in the week when my Sunday counseling called just minutes before I was to walk out the door and meet her, I just had to stop right then and there and ask God what was I missing.

Dumbfounded, I knew not to stay home. I googled local Churches in the area and quickly found one with similar beliefs as my own. Out the door I went and I don’t have to explain what happened next. Just know, it is one of those times when the preacher is standing behind the pulpit and talking directly to you. The message was precious and one that truly needed to be reaffirmed in my mind.

As I walked out of the sanctuary and towards my car, I stopped to thank the pastor for his service and in doing so, it dawned on me. The point of it all, is to be ready! Had I not been moved to move, I wandered if I would have been so proactive? Thank you Jesus for your abundant mercy and grace. I have no idea what I would do without your gentle nudge.

 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.  If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!”

Luke 12: 35-38 (ESV)