Following

I had a lot to learn when God was gracious enough to allow us to open the doors at House of the Harvest. I still have a lot to learn, mostly about how to trust Him better because His ways are better than mine. But when we first opened the doors, I didn’t have a clue. I was busy trying to manage all the particulars instead of just allowing it to be. My wife can tell you that I have a tendency to overthink things at times. 

I finally learned that He has it under control and we are all just conduits for Him to flow through essentially. I don’t have to stress about what we have or don't have. I don't have to hold things back for next week or worry about there not being anything. I just have to find an organized way to distribute what comes in and let Him do the rest. It’s really more about people seeing what He is able to do and us being available to offer love, support, and direction toward Him. It took me a while to learn that, but He taught me...through experiences like the one below. 

I was sweeping the floor one Saturday morning. We had just closed the doors. Everyone was gone except for me. I had just sent a woman who had stopped by late to pick up some food on her way. She came back in the door with a question for me. “I don’t know if you guys do this but I really need a washer and dryer if you know anything about one? My son and I just moved in with my dad to help take care of him and he does not have a working washer and dryer. Do you know of anywhere or anyone that might have one?”

“I don’t. I can take your name and number and if I can find one, I’ll let you know. But right now that is about the best I can do. I’m sorry.”

I took down her name and number. I’ll ask around, maybe a pair will turn up. She thanks me very graciously and heads out the door. About the time she clears the doorway another person walks in the door on the other side of the bay. 

“Hey is this that place that gives out food?”

“Yes. Can I help you?”

“Well I don't know if y’all will take them or not but I got this washer and dryer out here that I was wanting to donate somewhere. You guys want it?”

“I think the person you are supposed to find just walked out the other door. You can probably still catch her in the parking lot.” 

We flag her down. Washer and dryer loaded on the back of the pickup. He offers to take them straight over to her house and unload them for her. Perfect timing. There is only One who can orchestrate that. Once again, He’s got it under control. 

I guess that woman probably needed to know that Someone was watching her, cared about her, and loved her. And maybe that she was going to be just fine. It goes a whole lot farther when He sends that message in His way than it does for me to say it to someone in my way. I’d much rather just be a part of watching Him do it His way.  It works better when I follow.

I’ll just stick to sweeping the floor. 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7