It's not a surprise that the enemy tried to derail us before our trip to Korea. Days before our departure, our water heater required an emergency replacement due to a leak. Then, our garage door happened to stop working and demanded immediate attention. We didn't want to leave it for our kids to handle, so my husband did what he does best and found a way to fix it. The enemy forgot that God blessed my husband to be like the main character from the TV show MacGyver and can fix just about anything. Due to the timing, my husband also had the best assistants, our kids, who were still home from winter break, to help him with the heavy lifting. They had to put their heads together and think of innovative ways to transfer the old heater from the original spot so they could install the new one. I was impressed by their herculean-like strength as I tried to direct their movements.
My workload became extra complicated as more people became ill and required immediate attention. Doctors commented that there tend to be more patients around the holidays and New Year as they focus more on the festivities versus their health. Not only was I physically tired, but I was emotionally taxed. I would often be on the phone, lending an ear to the patients and listening to their complaints and issues. It wasn't like I did anything for them clinically, but validating their frustration seemed enough. Over time, I learned that people may not care for their problems to be solved but hope to be heard and feel valued. They may have felt better; however, I felt their grief by the end of the day.
Sadly, we also had some friends who were in crisis and requested our help navigating their situations. As tough issues popped up here and there, our focus was divided between our preparation for our mission trip to Korea and what was happening here.
Reflecting on what appeared as disruptions, the Holy Spirit reminded me that missions are not just overseas. Missions are right here in my backyard - my place of employment, the people I have relationships with, and people I may not know but may need attention. As an Ambassador of Christ, everywhere I go is a mission field. I have the unique opportunity to minister to just about anyone and anywhere. And listening and praying for those at work and friends in crisis is precisely what we did while in Korea. If anything, those so-called disruptions only prepared my heart to tune in and pray with an open heart and mind for others.
We're ALL called to be missionaries. We all have a responsibility to further God's kingdom. This means every interaction, every relationship, and every moment is an opportunity to share God's love.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ~Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
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