The BIG in the SIMPLE

Crazy title ... but hear me out.

Lately as I have been seeking out the Father's voice for my life, I hear him pointing out the SIMPLE stuff. Take for instance this morning. 

My heart's cry has always been for God to use my life for His glory, to make a difference with His love, but sometimes when I take a good look at my life I can't help but look up, arch and eyebrow and wonder when that BIG moment is finally going to arrive? What is that one BIG THING that He has called me to? It doesn't necessarily look like my life has yet to make a big impact on a world so full of hurting hearts. Ever feel the same?

Well, as I was pottering about the house, the doorbell rang and a familiar homeless man was back asking for something to eat. I was in my pj's about to write a 'deep blog post' about hearing God's voice ;0) Honestly, making something to eat was the last thing I felt like doing. And that's when I heard Him. "Here's an opportunity Jan. Go make him a super yummy roll ... toss in some fresh fruit and then make him a nice, sweet cup of tea with an extra dash of sugar!". I could even hear the excitement in His heart in the details. Seriously God??? This is the big stuff? "Yip! This is the BIG stuff!"

So off I went. Thankfully I had someone take it outside for me (as not to scare the poor man out of his wits at the sight of my crazy hair and pj's - hee hee). I peered through the window as she handed him the tea. He just stood there. Surprised. He stood motionless and took a sip. I could see the delight at such a small little act of thoughtfulness. I WANTED TO BAWL MY EYES OUT!!! The man was freezing on this cold Wintery day. He doesn't have the luxury of a kettle at home to make himself something nice to drink on a cold morning. He doesn't have the luxury of a warm home full stop! Something so SIMPLE like a cup of sweet tea with that extra dash of sugar on a cold day to warm him up after a cold night on the streets was God's love and mercy in action reaching straight to his heart ... meeting a physical and heart need. That SIMPLE act was God's heart of compassion showing him that He sees and cares so deeply for him. 

As I sit and type this out I hear God's gentle instruction that in His Kingdom, it's not necessarily about doing that one BIG THING as much as it is daily tuning my heart in to His heart to discern how best to express His love in so many SIMPLE ways. It's that cup of tea ... or those few extra moments letting one of my kids share their heart when I would rather have them tucked in bed so I can have some 'adult time' ... or sending a message of encouragement etc. God uses the SIMPLE small things to make a BIG difference in people's hearts every day. Rather a life lived daily inspired by God's love than sitting around waiting for that one BIG moment.

It reminded me of what Jesus said in the book of Matthew, that in all the SIMPLE ways that we choose to obey and express His love to those around us, He declares that we do it unto Him.  

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:31-40

So thankful for the patient and loving ways that He leads and guides us into a fulfilling life lived in His love!

All my love xxx

Janine