Happy back to school! As I gear up for the school year and the joy of homework club (HW) several have asked how we picked the location for our HW. For me the answer is a short one - Car Problems!
Many years ago, my newly married husband found a job across state. Looking for a place to live, the only local we knew suggested a road teeming with new apartments. Just one block from the directed area, our car broke down. It wouldn’t budge. With time running short we signed the lease for the first apartment we laid our eyes on - just as the tow truck arrived.
We haven’t moved far but we have changed a lot since the day the car broke down. Back then we were lovingly referred to as “D.I.N.K.s” (Double Income No Kids). We didn’t really know Jesus yet either. Our neighborhood has changed a lot too. There are no “new” apartments anymore. Businesses frequently move to more progressive neighborhoods and residents are perpetually moving in and out. A local school official called out our transient school population, 25% move in and 25% move out every year.
About three years ago, after a strong sense of “loving my neighbor” and “focus on the unreached community kids”, I went to a Christian workshop. Someone challenged, “If you live in one community and send your kids to school in a different community that is probably a good indication of where you need to be ministering.” Gulp that was my family and my neighborhood!
Even after we started club, I stubbornly tried hard NOT TO like these kids. But on the third day little Helen came up with big dark saucer eyes and shed crocodile tears because I was leaving. After that, they had me!
However, I really wish I would have had this cool tool to help discern God’s plan! “Seven Days, Seven Ways”
How about asking God for a friend to join you with “Seven Days, Seven Ways”? My guess is, as you work through the prayer and activities, you will run smack dab into God’s Will! And it will be a lot more fun than having your car break down!
Until Every Boy and Girl Knows Jesus,
-Annie
*Names of children always changed.
