Our church has Wednesday night activities. When my kids were little I attended ladies bible studies on these nights regularly. As much as I desired to know more about God’s word, I needed a few hours off with a free babysitter and a lot of prayer even more.
Just being honest.
Last year I decided to “give back” and volunteered to help out with other kids whose parents were in small groups or serving in other areas on Wednesday nights. I was asked to be one of the small group leaders for the first grade class. It was a lot of fun and I liked getting to know the kids in Savannah’s class.
As August approached, I was contacted about my plans for fall. Did I want to continue helping out in Kidz Inc? Part of me did. A really big part. But another part of me was undecided. Something didn’t feel quite right and it was hard to put my finger on it.
Church is good for my kids, right? I should have them up there as much as possible, right? Good influences. Keep them out of trouble. That’s what “good” Christians do, right???
Or not.
Could our time on Wednesday nights be better spent? What if, instead of taking another few hours to LEARN about what Christ would do, we actually DID what He would do? Wouldn’t that have a bigger impact?
Do you know how many times I’ve told Jeremy’s grandmother or his Aunt Irene that “we’d love to see you guys more often, I just can’t seem to find the time…”? I would be embarrassed to tell you they both live in the same town as we do and we only see them on certain holidays. It’s pathetic!
With that in mind I made my decision. Initially I was worried about what people might think. I was also a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to fill up my Wednesdays with service opportunities. But you know, whenever you are doing something with a heart for the Lord, you can be sure He will not waste your time.
We have spent time visiting cherished relatives like Grandma ‘dessa and Aunt Irene, and about a month ago, a friend of mine found out she had breast cancer. We have committed to taking her a meal every other Wednesday until the end of the year, and if she’ll allow me, I will continue to feed her family until she finishes chemo early next year.
I write all this not to brag about myself, but to encourage others to think outside the box. How many years have you spent hearing sermons and attending bible studies vs how much time do you spend being the hands and feet of Jesus? Don’t be just a hearer of the Word. Be a “doer”. A lot of hurting people out there have heard about Him. They need to SEE Him. You can show them.
3 Comments
I think this is awesome Jodi. More people need to do this. I have very strong feelings (especially since I am on staff at a church!) about how we always want to come and “soak in”, want a place for our kids to go, and fill up our calendar with another night away.
The great thing is, you have prayed about what to do every year and God has blessed that!
Hey there sister! I just had a calling to read your post tonight and boy did I need this one. When we got back here years ago now! I felt the call to start meals for those in need in our church then it became the country folks here even if they were not in our church. Wow sounds good right! well it became a chore for me… since I was the organizer…. it was my job! One older lady in church stopped me and thanked me for the job we were doing! That hit me and I begin to THANK God for every opportunity. Jodi, you are an inspiration to me! I love you and miss you so much! In many ways we are alike! We just Love us some Jesus! I thank God for allowing me time to get to know you and my heart will always hold a dear place for you and your family! your children are precious! would love to visit sometime!
Much Love,
Velvet
I LOVE this post.
We have started choosing to stay home about one Wednesday night a month. At first I felt guilty, like “if the doors open, we should have the children there soaking up the goodness.”
This year I’ve promised to stay tuned into my children’s needs – to feed them by their love languages. Quality time is on the top of both their lists – and it is no often enough that all four of us can be at home around our dining room table eating spaghetti and playing checkers. So, no matter what day it falls on – even if it is a Wednesday, if the stars align – then at home we stay!