God Leads
By: Tricia Chrzanowski
“God leads us to where we need to be, not where we want to be.”
It was one of those days where I felt like a “mombie” (a sleep deprived mother who feeds on caffeine and wanders around aimlessly because she’s too exhausted to remember what she was doing). I desperately needed some uninterrupted mama time to regroup and I knew a little Target therapy would do the trick. You know you’re a mom when a trip to Target by yourself is like a vacation!
So, I dropped off Emma at preschool and off to Target I went! A giant latte from Starbucks and the Joanna Gaines Collection were calling my name! While driving to my happy place, I happened to notice a woman sleeping on a bench along the side of the highway. I looked down at my thermostat and it was only in the upper 30’s.
She was wrapped up in a sleeping bag, but I knew she had to be cold. It was in that moment I felt the “tug”. The tug on my heart leading me to go and talk to this woman. Yʼall know the “tug” that I’m talking about?
As a believer, I believe that “tug” is the Holy Spirit leading me into situations (sometimes out of my comfort zone situations) where I can help someone in need. Where Jesus can use me as a vessel to show His amazing love to others.
Here’s how my reaction should have gone… “what an honor it is Lord that you would choose me to show your love to this woman in need. I will absolutely obey your call and immediately stop and help her”. But here’s how it really went… “But Lord, I’m on my way to Target and you know how badly I need this. I’ll tell you what, if she’s still there when I’m done, I’ll go talk to her.”
I would highly advise you to not bargain with God. Let’s face it, who’s really going to win that one? So, what did I do? I entered those beautiful Target sliding doors, got my Starbucks and browsed my favorite aisles. Not my finest moment!
I tried to enjoy my “me time”, but I could not shake the woman on the bench from my mind or heart. When I left Target I said, “ok Lord, I know we had a deal (I’m pretty sure it was a one-sided deal)”.
I drove back down the highway and sure enough she was still there! I prayed for a few minutes and then walked up and introduced myself. I asked her how I could help. She said she was in need of a warm coat, warm boots and a warm meal. When I returned with her items, we sat and talked for a while.
Through our conversation I reminded her that God loves her and asked how I could pray for her. She then asked how she could pray for me! Wow! I was so humbled by the fact that this woman who had no home and very few belongings asked how she could pray for me?
And to think, all I wanted to do that morning was to go to Target for some “me time”. I thank God for seeing past my selfishness and giving me the opportunity to meet and help a very special lady!
Here’s the point of my story. Though we may be believers, we are human! We are far from perfect, but thank goodness we are forgiven. In fact, God does not expect us to be perfect, but he does expect us to keep learning, keep trying and keep improving. We need to give ourselves grace and remember that God’s grace is given unconditionally.
“On my best day I’m just a sinner in need of a savior.”
It’s ok if your path to doing the right thing has a few bumps and turns along the way. We are all a work in progress!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Tricia and I. Thank you Tricia for contributing to the “The Anchor” and sharing your adorable mom story. Boy, can we all relate!
….The Anchor Holds