Meeting the Random Sacker

Have you ever met a random stranger and thought...there was a very intentional purpose behind this encounter? Someone at Starbucks? A parent of your child's friend? The lady in front of you at Wal-mart?

Yesterday I was at Kroger stock-piling 2 grocery carts with sodas and water for my daughter's after prom party at her high school. As I attempted to lug 2 overflowing carts to my suburban, a nice young man sacking groceries asked if he could help. I graciously excepted his offer not knowing the amazing story I would hear.

As we loaded the trunk, he asked what all the drinks were for. I began to explain the after prom event when he said he didn't have a good experience at Klein High School. The conversation continued until I discovered that this 19 year old boy was attending a community college where he is studying theology. He has a deep passion to help people who are hopeless through prison ministry. His dream is to be a chaplain in the Harris County prison system.

I was blown away by his intelligence, love for the Lord, and strong desire to help others. I told him about a friend of mine who was recently released from jail, has given his life to Jesus, and feels called to ministry.  The young man was excited to get to know my friend and we exchanged numbers in hopes that the two might meet.

I have no idea if I will ever connect with the committed young man again, but what I do know is... there are no random meetings. God puts people in our lives every day to teach us, love us, help us, challenge us, and even encourage us.

Look around today as you go through life. Notice others. Smile at someone or begin a conversation with what appears to be a random person. You might be surprised to find that the waiter needs encouragement, the checker has a profound truth to teach, the lady at Starbucks can help, or the random sacker has an amazing story.

"As we have the opportunity let us do good to everyone." Galatians 6:9

Number Our Days

In about 30 minutes I'll be speaking to a group of Moms about living a stress free life! I laughed as I prepared because I thought about my life over the last several months and wondered, "Am I stress free?"

My life seems to have taken some crazy twists and turns completely unexpected over the last several months- new job, family dynamics changing, children going off to college/other countries not to mention the regular day to day encounters. How do we handle all that life brings our way? How do we stay stress free in the whirlwind?

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12.

This morning God reminded me to number my days. Yes, number your days. This morning sit down and count how many days you have left at home with your children. Count the number of nights you possibly have left to tuck them in bed, the mornings you have to tell them you love them, the afternoons to laugh and play.

Count how many nights you have left to lay beside your husband and listen to him snore. How many family dinners or family movie nights you have before life changes.

We have no idea exactly how many, but what we do know is that we get TODAY! This is the day we get...so let's make the most of it!

Text your teenagers and tell them you love them.
Call your mom and thank her for all she's done for you.
Get dinner ready for your family so you can sit and laugh together.
Plan to spend 10 minutes tucking your children in bed tonight.
Sit down with your husband and listen to him talk about his day.

Today is the only April 29, 2013 you get! Invest it wisely. Turn off the TV, ignore Pintrest, put your phone down, and focus on the precious gift you've been given, your family!  Make this the #1 day of your life as you number your days! May it be said of us, "She made the most of every opportunity. Not one day was wasted but every day counted in her life and the lives of those around her!"