$10 love

i am trying to get over the shock of a New Year, which includes, but is not limited to, writing '08 on my checks instead of '07.

in the last year i have worked 3 jobs, been unemployed for two months, and lived in two different places. adjusting to change is a gift of mine that did not exactly ask for. i emerged from 2007 with some thick skin and a multifarious resume. gosh, i had some rough times, and i still have nightmares about some of them. there were moments where i questioned my sanity, and tried to remember how i got here and why. up until september, the why part was still a bit blurry.

now, every day is a reminder why.

my roommates are a reminder why. one loves Jesus and the other can't stand to hear His name.

my rent is a reminder why. i would not pay that much for a tiny apartment if there wasn't a reason.

the homeless people on my street and the fact that i know their names are a reminder why.

my Church is a reminder why. it is an exemplification of love in a city of so many unloved.

i went back and read my blog entry from this time last year. not much has changed regarding my "new life resolution" to "make the best use of the time because the days are evil." i still desire to live life with this notion, however i feel like now, 365 days later, i actually know what it looks like.

A few weeks ago my Pastor gave a sermon on what it means to give more, not only during the holiday season, but in our daily lives. at the end of the service, i and the other deacons passed out ten dollar bills to every person in the congregation with the instruction to bless someone in our city. a blog was created for the purpose of sharing the stories.

as i read story after story, i was stirred by the ripple of love that is infiltrating the streets of new york. i'm still praying for the Lord to show me where to use my $10. maybe Sandra will be on her usual street corner this evening by the pizza place. maybe she'd like to share a coffee, reminisce about another year gone and what to do to make this year better...