An Instructive Moment About Mercy

It always cracks me up when something shows up in my world at the exact time that I need to see/hear/read it most. Funny how that happens, isn't it?

Today, I posted about how I'm great with comments condemning others but not so great at getting off my fat butt and doing the actual work myself. Oh sure, heart condition and all...blah, blah, blah.

And then I read this tonight - about doing for those that can't do for themselves and I don't know - it makes me feel so sad inside. We all talk about helping. Some of us even go out and do it from time to time but a life that is truly "of service?" I fall so short.

And yes, I know...I'm still at that stage where I have my Christian training wheels on but, cripes you guys, it's been a year. And I've done nothing...

Still, there's hope for me. There's hope because I see the handwriting on the wall. I know that serving fancy food at a fancy dinner for my fancy friends is an honor not many people can afford. However, serving food that came from a 5 lb can or a box of something that had to be reconstituted in order to be used would be a dinner that would cost me so much more. It would cost me a piece of my heart while I watch these less fortunate people eat their meal. It would cost me a piece of my pride while I see that they are really no better than I am. It would cost me a piece of my security that this could never happen to me.

It all costs. It's whether I am going to be a follower of Jesus who throws money at a problem or one who gives of herself, instead. I've found my place in this church. Now I need to find my place in this world.

Mercy. I need it just as much as all the homeless people - maybe even more.