My life has been a journey full of twists & turns, highs & lows. Honestly, I'm not sure I could really define where I'm headed. But one thing I'm learning, the journey isn't all about the final destination but more about how we travel. And fulfillment is found in all that we learn & experience as we journey, not just getting to the end of it. I can't even imagine making mine without Christ before me, behind me, and beside me...

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

GOD'S POETRY

Me and sweet Paula at DRI's monthly Worship service
 I almost didn't go... Breath came hard, my head ached, and my spirit was downcast. But at the last minute, I decided I could both support Chad as he spoke to the crowd and share in the joyful spirit that always abounds there at Disability Resources, Inc. I didn't realize how much I needed them this night. Sometime we think it's them who need us. But just as Chad affirmed, each one who resides here is a masterpiece--God's poetry-- lovingly created for a special purpose. And no one who ever comes to worship here can deny the love that envelops each guest when we walk into the room--a room set apart once a month for worship. This same room with all the unique and beautiful souls inside on any day, every day for ANY purpose--this room IS worship to the utmost.
Chad sharing Ephesians 2:10 tonight
     The walls and projector screen were adorned with the beautiful artistic masterpieces created by the hands and the hearts of the residents and clients. I wish I had taken pictures but I was so enraptured with the people and God's presence, I just didn't think... The vivid colors and creativity brightly reflected God's glory.
     My own soul won't soon forget the words Ian wrote himself and sang to us tonight: "Even now You are the refuge in the storm..." I fought back tears. How I needed to be reminded! Sometimes we think we are the ones to help them learn, but how often they already know with certainty the deepest truths of God. Yet those of us living outside the perimeters of DRI's grounds sometimes struggle so hard to hold on to those same truths. They teach us.
     The choir led the worshippers: "Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You're my God..." Their beaming smiles would have shown us even without words. In that moment, all in one accord, we knew the Light of the World had stepped out of the darkness to shine His grace into that room. 
     Near the end, Brandon stepped up to the mic and read the Scripture benediction. I remembered when I first met him as a volunteer on a bowling outing. I asked about him then--he was so quiet amidst all the rowdy play that day. Tonight, he spoke with such confidence, his words speaking hope to all who listened. THIS is God's handiwork.
    I was undone in the beauty of it all, my heart full as I shared a few hugs and offered some positive words to these amazing people--my friends. And then, in the next moment, Paula asked if she could pray for me...for me. She took my hands, bowed her head in prayer, and I knew... God brought me here this night--I didn't "decide." He reached down to touch my broken spirit through this beautiful sweet lady and all the others with so many of their own struggles, and left His fingerprints as, in her prayer, she lived in the purpose God has given her. God's divine poetry indeed...

The beautiful people of DRI in 2014... Photo credit to: Disability Resources, Inc.
Photo credit to Disability Resources, Inc.
Photo credit to Disability Resources, Inc.

Disability Resources, Inc. is an AMAZING place dedicated to the lives of people with special needs. The residents and clients are able to live joyful, purposeful lives because of what happens here. I wish there were more places just like them all over the world. Without a doubt, love abides here. The joy that fills this place is infectious to anyone that comes within arm's reach. To find out more about them, to volunteer, or donate, please go to www.driabilene.org or check out their Facebook page.

If you aren't near Abilene TX to volunteer, there are most likely similar places wherever you are which are in need of compassionate and joyful hearts to give the gift of their time to their residents and clients. Or if there is no such facility, volunteer with Special Olympics in your area. You will undoubtedly be blessed.

Only a few of the winners at the 2014 Special Olympics.
Photo Credit: DRI
Some of the guys at 2014 Special Olympics. Photo Credit: DRI
2014 Special Olympics...Running the race (Hebrews 12:1)
Photo Credit: DRI
The DRI Bell Choir rehearses for hours to reach perfection.
Makes your heart soar to hear them.
Photo Credit: DRI