You know what I’ve just realized? What’s really hit home for me? There is such a huge, indescribable joy and peace that comes from finding out where God is working and joining Him there. It’s not about me- it’s about Him. I was just realizing that for the past few weeks, I have been filled with this Joy…I’m just excited about life right now. Not that there hasn’t been hard things…there has been the very hard and sad thing with Vicki (Okay, I can’t figure out how to link with wordpress yet…but my sister in law’s mom died a week and a half ago- and it sucks). But even in the midst of that, I feel a Joy and a Peace that I’m where God wants me to be. Maybe it’s silly…but the coupon thing?? I think that the reason that I’m getting so much enjoyment out of it is because God handed it to me. It started with the conviction that I wasn’t doing enough to save my family money- but it’s blossoming. And because people are interested in it, I’m able to pass on what I’ve learned to other people. And those other people can, in turn, help other people both by sharing what they know AND because they’re enabled to be generous in a way that they couldn’t be before. Normally, when we think of blessing someone in need with food, we think if purchasing a few extra items and donating them…but when you’re getting them for free or nearly free, how much more can your generosity expand? It’s not about ME…it’s about HIM!! He is using this silly coupon thing because He wants to grow his ministries and His people’s generosity. Do you think it’s a coincidence that we’ve had recent sermons at church about generosity? And a recent ministry starting up to help the 80% PLUS kids in our local Gresham grade school who don’t have enough food to eat on the weekends? AND a recent sermon about committing yourself to expand God’s work? I don’t.
I made the decision a few weeks ago to “give up” running the cafe at my church. I’ve been doing it for 1 1/2 years from the very beginning. But I felt like God was telling me that He had other things for me to do. I wondered if I might have some trouble “letting go” or worrying about other people being in control instead of me (I have some control issues) and/or worrying about the transition. But you know what? I gave it up and I’ve had NOT ONE thought about not being in control or worrying about other people taking over. The transition has been seamless. God not only made it easy for ME to step out, but He brought and positioned exactly the right people to step in and take my place. He laid out the plan and all I had to do was follow it. And because I did, I’ve had so much Joy and Peace knowing that I’m exactly in the place I need to be. How I just wish that everyone could understand what this feels like!
I just have to brag about this… My stockpile boasts 27 bottles and/or boxes of laundry soap that I either got for FREE or under $1.00…I do so much laundry that this makes me smile.