As our thoughts begin to turn toward Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of the long-ago November I attended a conference in San Antonio. I'd come home with the music of the guest singer and was playing it while setting the Thanksgiving table. The lyrics of the song spoke of looking up from your table and seeing the fields that were ready for harvest.
I took the timely words to heart, and looked up to consider the "fields'" that were just across from my neighborhood. One was the university and the other was the Veterans Hospital. Within a few days I was in the office of the Chaplain at the V.A. asking if I could visit patients. At first he declined my offer, but eventually introduced me to one young man that was paraplegic, who wanted to know more about God.
It was awkward and uncomfortable for both of us at first, but after several visits we began bonding - and he asked me to pray with him. From that day forward things began to change. Over the next few months he was reconnected to extended family that had ignored him, and reconciled to his father that had rejected him. Eventually he returned to his home state to be near his family, in assisted living, with plans to become a champion for wheelchair access rights.
So what did I learn? I learned that even I was called and qualified to be a laborer for the Lord. That I had to be willing to go into the field; and that in this case, the field was just across the street. A shift in my thinking, a few willing steps ~ He did the rest.
P.S. I think it was a set up (:
John 4:35 I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!


i love it when the Lord sets us up
ReplyDeletelike that! great story, susy!
I love your beautiful story..thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe photo on my sidebar of my sweetie and me..it was taken in April of this yr..on our 50th.:)
I am your newest follower..:)
Oh Susy, yes, don't you love to be set up like that? Even though this young man benefitted immensely from your visits and the bonding, I'm sure the blessings were wonderful for you also.
ReplyDeleteThe fields are white unto harvest--am I willing to be a laborer? Thank you for a great post--Love the pics too.
Loving you,
Dianne
This is a wonderful story. I certainly am not looking at the world the same right now. With temporary shelter and events that don't "appear" to be moving us toward another abode, I am way more aware of those around me. It's a God thing.
ReplyDeleteKJ
What a wonderful story of hearing from God, stepping out in obedience, and seeing His hand move to bring reconciliation, both with families and with Him.
ReplyDeleteYou are a gifted writer.
Great story! And sometimes the need is right out our front door. I have befriended an older couple near me...so much joy for us both!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story Susy, I love set ups like this, what a blessing you were to this young man. Awesome, thank you for sharing,
ReplyDeleteSue
Hi Susy,
ReplyDeleteOh that was a wonderful idea...and it feels so good when we know that we are lead to do something... and how special of you to do that...it is so touching.
Sending hugs your way,
Cindy
Hello beautiful Suzy with the beautiful heart. God bless you for being there for that young man. It is hard to know what to say to such as he. Yet when you think about it, some people would not even talk to him because of that...you allowed God to lead the way.Your sensitive heart touched his with love...
ReplyDeleteWe all have much to be thankful for. Hugs CML
Hi Susy.. love this post. Have a wonderful thanksgiving week head..
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ruth
What a beautiful inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful outcome from just a simple gesture of kindness.
Good for you for taking the time for witnessing for Christ.
God Bless you,
Virginia
What a priveledged set up...How wonderful that you answered the call. We would all be wise to look to the fields in our own backyards and to listen for the call. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI think your heart is amazing....allowing yourself to go and share and reach out...It makes me think of Issiah...here I am Lord...use me...thank you sharing this beautiful story
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful story, Suzy. A wonderful example of being an obedient servant. God doesn't always call us where we are comfortable - in fact I think the opposite is more often the case.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Another example of how God uses His people for His glory!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us. We never know how many wonderful opportunities are out there waiting for us if we just pay attention to God's leading.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Charlotte
What a wonderful way to be "set up". Reminds me of the prayer of Jabez when we ask God to enlarge our territory....He enlarged yours and in obedience you reached out and helped someone in need...wow...
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
Yes, the Lord has that way about him so that we get out of our box and do something like you did,I know this is hard to do. This man will always remember you.I sure he has told this story as well.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Ginger
Thank you for sharing this inspirational story. Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful loving write, Suzy. Never know where He is going to lead us, do we... TY for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful & blesed Thanksgiving ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
Oh, yes! This is the message of Thanksgiving. To share with those in need--spiritual as well as physical. How beautiful what the Lord did in your life!
ReplyDeleteMy heart and mind will be on songs of Thanksgiving and praise as I prepare our Thanksgiving meal.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with many blessings,
Janis
That was such a lovely sweet post. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteJust coming by to say thanks for stopping at my place.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and yours have a really blessed and fun holiday.
xo bj
Hi Susy, a very touching reminder oh what God can do when we are willing. Funny enough I was just reading that hymn in my hymnal. How about that? Happy Thanksgiving♥O
ReplyDelete