This morning, I went to volunteer at a house that is being redone for women when they come out of prison. The person who created the idea and has dedicated her life to it is an amazing woman! Her faith in God and her example to others is inspiring. Hard times in her life have been a tool for her to connect with others going through hard times and to help them realize they can change, too. So, I can't mention this place without mentioning her and that I see God in her and in the work that she does to help others in so many ways.
But, I have to write about something else, too. At 7:30, I called a teen to find out if she had decided to join me there and if I needed to pick her up. She was ready when I got there a little later. As we walked into the home, they were praying. I wasn't sure who was going to be there. Sometimes youth say they will be there but something comes up or they can't get a ride or they forget. So, when I walked in and saw that almost everyone there for the workday was from my group, I was so proud of them!
The house is filthy. There is a lot of work to be done. We had to wear masks because it was so dusty everywhere. We spent hours sweeping, using a shop vac, mopping, and scraping and tearing things off walls. It was dirty, smelly, and tedious at times. But, I saw a group of teens work together to accomplish what they needed to do without complaining or whining. The others were tearing down a ceiling, which my youth were excited about when they heard that was one of the tasks for the day. But, nobody complained that we got the job of cleaning. It makes me realize that they get it. I've tried to instill in them that it doesn't matter how big or small the task, if they are doing God's work it's all important. And, today, someone repeated that to me while we were working. Awesome!
Shortly after we started working, I heard several girls in another part of the house singing "I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart..." And, I thought to myself, "Yes, they do!"
So, where was God today? He was guiding and protecting us while we worked. And, He was enjoying seeing His children working, being His hands and feet.
Blessings,
Jennifer
But, I have to write about something else, too. At 7:30, I called a teen to find out if she had decided to join me there and if I needed to pick her up. She was ready when I got there a little later. As we walked into the home, they were praying. I wasn't sure who was going to be there. Sometimes youth say they will be there but something comes up or they can't get a ride or they forget. So, when I walked in and saw that almost everyone there for the workday was from my group, I was so proud of them!
The house is filthy. There is a lot of work to be done. We had to wear masks because it was so dusty everywhere. We spent hours sweeping, using a shop vac, mopping, and scraping and tearing things off walls. It was dirty, smelly, and tedious at times. But, I saw a group of teens work together to accomplish what they needed to do without complaining or whining. The others were tearing down a ceiling, which my youth were excited about when they heard that was one of the tasks for the day. But, nobody complained that we got the job of cleaning. It makes me realize that they get it. I've tried to instill in them that it doesn't matter how big or small the task, if they are doing God's work it's all important. And, today, someone repeated that to me while we were working. Awesome!
Shortly after we started working, I heard several girls in another part of the house singing "I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart..." And, I thought to myself, "Yes, they do!"
So, where was God today? He was guiding and protecting us while we worked. And, He was enjoying seeing His children working, being His hands and feet.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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