My needs are so many
I can barely help myself
Yet I learned that as I help others
I may not get what I need
But my joy runs over, hope rises
And I feel better being a part
Of someone’s miracle.

I don’t know if you have experienced that unique love of God when someone shows up on your door, unexpected, bearing what you need and as you wonder why, how, they go, “Because God loves you!” The joy of pregnant women being summoned only to get handfuls of maternity and baby clothing and items they could never afford. The excitement of children who accompany their mothers or went out as usual to play only to be assembled and rewarded with their own clothing, candies, chocolates, books, toys, finer than anything they have ever owned.

In deep needs, every small gift makes huge differences. What cost us so little can turn around many lives for good. The gratitude of men headed home after a hard day’s job with armful of goodies for their families. The smile on the faces of security men minding their duty and there comes free lunch – the kind of food they would never go for because they can’t afford it. The excitement of my own security men as they open the gate for me knowing food is here, or their concern some mornings as I drive out and they go, “Madam, we didn’t see you yesterday.” Of course, they saw me drive in yesterday but ‘they didn’t see me drive in” because I worked offsite and couldn’t get my regular lunch that we shared or take away anything for them.

O the laughter of women who adorn lovely items they had only worn in dreams! The hug of policemen and women who are touched that someone cared enough to bring them a gift without being asked. In fact, the police man by my junction knew my car so well that each time I drove by, we greeted warmly but whenever I walk by, he barely responded to my greetings – he knew me by my car so well because that was how I always dropped his stuff but could not place my face if I was trampling down the road on my two-wheels. The quietness that suddenly overtakes those who have been praying and wondering if and how their hopes will ever be realized, as they watch it materialize.

I can go on and on: such joys that cameras can’t capture, hugs can’t convey, shouts and tears of joy can’t express enough – are some of the treasures I have enjoyed first hand as God opened doors for me to reach those in genuine needs. Much more than my high-flying career, the joy of being the messenger of God superseded every dollar I ever earned in that phase of my life.
(To be continued September 5, 2020)

Glory!