Recovered
It is said by many who are in recovery, that they had to hit bottom before they were able to seek help.
The LORD thundered out of heaven; the Most High uttered his voice. He loosed his arrows and scattered them; he hurled thunderbolts and routed them. The beds of the seas were uncovered, and the foundations of the world laid bare, at your battle cry, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He reached down from on high and grasped me; he drew me out of great waters. He delivered me from my strong enemies and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster; but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into an open place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. - Psalm 18:14-20
Today's reading from Psalm 18 sounds like God is mad. It tells of God's fury and power, but instead of destruction, we find salvation.
God reaches down and saves the tormented and forgotten. When we need His help, He will bring us to a place where help can be found.
There is a woman who comes to Caritas nearly every day. She wants to work and will remind me when she sees me not to forget her. If I need help, she says, she is able, ready and willing.
Several people who come, come with the hope of finding work so they can have a little money in their pockets.
A few find work and then fall into the trap of addiction, and at some point, they will hit bottom. We can offer help, but until the one needing it is ready, the help will not be taken.
How frustrating that is. Just think how God feels, for only God loves everyone so deeply.
I truly believe that in His frustration, God sends little children.
When students come to help in our pantry and soup kitchen, they come seeing the world through different eyes. They see the people beneath the problems those people carry on their backs.
It is in the smile of a child that we can see God's love, and I have seen the joy that comes over everyone when parents come with their young children to serve and support others.
We may not be able to find work for all who want it and need it, but we can create the open place where God can do His work, where God can show His delight in each of us.
More to come...