The Long Walk Across the Street

Recently the story of the Good Samaritan popped up in my devotions.  What started off as a “not again” sigh out of my mouth became a new challenge. I was reminded the Priest and Levite had the same opportunity as the Samaritan.  They just needed to “walk across the street”.  Responding in prayer, I asked God to open my eyes to an opportunity to “walk across the street”.

In fast-paced errand-running mode, I barely noticed the girl sitting on the sidewalk staring at the ground a few blocks out from my home.  Several years ago I would have thought she was sad. Now it is the position of kids with earbuds listening to their music.  As I drove past, I remembered my morning prayer.  I guess it wouldn’t hurt to just to check, though I had so much to do. 

Turning around, I pulled into the cul-de-sac entrance near her.  Not leaving my car, I rolled down the window.

“Are you OK?” I asked.

The girl stood, nodding, but her tear streaked eyes gave her away.

“Are you safe?  I’m just a neighbor driving by.” I felt that I needed to stay in my car and just be there.

She took a step closer, nodding.

“Are you sure you are safe?  Is there anything you need?  Do you need to use my phone?”

Still ground staring, her head shook.

“I’m a Christian.  Could I say a prayer for you?”

Nodding, for the first time her eyes lifted as I closed mine.  Silently asking God to lead, I prayed aloud.  As I finished she walked close and the story began to spill.  She lived with her grandparents.  They were upset and had just kicked her out of the house…  She talked and talked.  Mostly, I just listened.

I asked the previous questions again.  I told her I would be praying for her and would be back that way in an hour.  I would check and make sure she was alright. 

It was a hot day, on my way back I wanted a Slurpee®.  I got Leanna a small one too.  But when I got back to the cul-de-sac, she wasn’t there.  Should I check at her house?  She had pointed down the street while talking about her grandparents. 

Though nervous at what I might encounter, I decided there was no harm in asking if she was there.  An older man answered. 

“Is this where Leanna lives?”

My words met a blank stare.

“I believe Leanna lives in this cul-de-sac.  She’s about 11 or 12.  Does she live around here?”

He turned to his wife.  “What’s the name of the girl that lives with those Russian people?  Is it Leanna? Well, there is a girl around here.  I think she lives at that house.”

I went next door, holding the now melting Slurpee®.
 
Within seconds the door opened.  Leanna broke into a huge smile.  Everything was OK now and yes, she would love a Slurpee®!

I can’t wait to see what happens next with my new friend!

Where do you need to take that long walk across the street?  Maybe take a Slurpee® with you!

Until Every Girl and Boy Knows Him,

-Annie

PS.  Have you seen "Daddy's Version of the Bun" yet?  Check out the link on my side bar under "Fun Videos"!  I loved it!

*Names of children always changed.

Seven Days, Seven Ways

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.