Being a mom and Ministering to those outside your four walls.

Every once in a while I get a tad bit sad that I am completely and utterly overwhelmed with the happenings inside my own four walls. I get overwhelmed that my season of life (with small children) makes it very difficult to plan any way of ministering mercy to those outside of my four walls. I get overwhelmed when I know the needs that are out there, not only in my sphere of influence (friends) but in my neighborhood, city and beyond. I get overwhelmed when I think about all the ways I could be helping.

Ahh, guilt. The spice of life.

I get overwhelmed and think, "how are my little kids going to see that mercy ministries (helping the poor) are dear to our family's heart when I am having a hard time ministering because of my life with small children?"

Then a mom gave a perspective that someone had shared with her. She said, "to consider yourself like Paul (in the Bible): under house arrest. So many times we are bound to the home because of our "season." Therefore, ask God to bring those opportunities to your front door. And be amazed at how he does exactly that."

Under House Arrest.

Perfect! That's exactly how it feels sometimes. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely opportunities to help others. But I am talking about those times where we are ministering mercy to the down and out, the poor and the forgotten. Those are the ones that I need God to bring to my day to day life without me having to search them out.

And guys, I realized, He does. Can I share one time with you (and I pray you don't think I am trying to brag here). But my heart was saddened because I thought I wasn't showing my kids how to minister mercy.. but then I remembered, not one but several times that they have seen it: by us taking food to the guy at the bottom of the interstate with a sign for "need work/money."

One time in particular, we were exiting to go to our church. We saw the guy and I asked my hubby to pull through the McDonald's (the only thing that had breakfast on that exit) so that we could take some to him. I think I ordered about 7 things for him to choose from (and have left over for later). The entire time my older boys were asking what? why? and why this guy? After we took it to him we headed on our way to church. And do you know that often when we get off at that exit my oldest will ask about that man. Did he get a house? Did he find a job? Does he need more food? (also, funny is the time I bought $20 worth of Taco Bell for another guy.. and even told him I was going to pick some up for him before, only to come back and the police had made him move on and he was no where in sight. But I would do it over again if I had to).

Here is the thing. My kids now ask me, when we see anyone at the bottom of the exit, if we are going to get them food. You see, that means that in their little heads.. that it is a given. That, my friends is what my heart wants. For them to see those opportunities and take them.

Anyway, if you are under house arrest like me.. take heart. There are opportunities that God can and will bring to your world. Until that time where you can seek them out more intentionally.