[creatures of habit & routine]

Every day is an opportunity to get out of our normal. Doing something different or speaking to someone that we are unfamiliar with can benefit us more than we think. However, because of our routines and daily habits, our possible encounters with others and people whom Jesus wants us to pour into are ultimately sacrificed because of the inconvenience. This morning, I had my schedule laid out. Wake up, get dressed, go to a coffee shop, and meet with Jesus. That sounds good, and this has been my daily routine since returning home for the semester. I have needed this to get through the day, but out of nowhere, something came in the way of my plan. All night, my sister had been struggling with stomach pains and needed someone to go and get medication early the next morning. Now, I remember being concerned about her before going to bed and even praying that she’d feel better the next day. After going through my routine the next morning, on my drive to the coffee shop, she calls me and asks, “Can you pick up some medication for me?” For some reason, I got mad at her. “Why?” I thought. I had a plan that I wanted to do, and at that moment, I did not want to do anything but that. I asked her, “Is there anyone else who could pick it up for you?” and she quietly responded, “No.” Still a bit angry, I said, “Fine,” and hung up the phone. Now, I knew the pain my sister was going through. I wanted to help her, but to be honest, I wanted someone else to help her or WHEN I FELT like helping her. My plans outweighed the need in front of me. I even tried to defend my anger, thinking things like, “Ugh, why me? I dont have much time as it is, and this is the time I spend with you, Lord”. Although I was not wrong, He gently reminded me of what His Word tells us. 

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” 

Matthew 25:40 NLT

It says that when we help those in need, it’s as if we are helping Him. To be honest, remembering this helped me to change my attitude and want to serve my sister. Often, we put our needs before others who we have the opportunity to help. We choose our plans, routines, and habits rather than help those who need us. We are told that He has plans far better than our own for us. We excuse ourselves with what God wants because our focus is on us and being poured into. He would most likely rather us be the ones pouring into others. Now, I’m not saying we should stop setting aside time with Him, but maybe His idea of spending time with Him is through helping others. Don’t ignore the opportunity to help someone in need just because it was not at the time you expected, help when there is a need. That is one of life's missions: to serve one another and to love each other as ourselves.

How would it look like if you helped others the way you’d like? I think we feel the most helped when someone randomly stops what they are doing and comes alongside us in our need. Yes, we can pray, but man, let's be people of action too! Let's pray and be present. 

As for me, I did get my sister her medication, and although a bit late to my appointment with the Lord, I still found that my helping her poured into me as well. So go and help someone today!  “Lord, as I live this life, help me decide to help others. Today, I hope to encounter you, look past what my plans are, and be flexible to do what you want with me today. Thank you, Lord.  Lead me daily, in Jesus' Name. Amen.”