Happy are those who are poor in spirit! Blessed are those who recognize their need...who see their "needs" not wants and desires or hopes with a 'spiritual' twist made to look like needs. Our true fundamental needs of food, clothing, shelter and...love. To be loved, to give love...we cannot love others unless we can first receive love.
In Haiti, my eyes so readily saw the need, great need! Stepping off the airplane into the piercing sunlight and humid air, the first thing I saw and smelled was garbage...garbage everywhere! Garbage piles, garbage strewn about, burning piles of garbage...they don't have the infrastructure in their country for something as simple as a waste disposal system. Going for a run this morning, in my neighborhood of white picket fences, perfectly manicured lawns, and hot air balloons, I was reminded of my silent prayer to the Lord... His eyes to see people as He sees them.
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After spending a week in Haiti, I realized I didn't see the garbage on my way back to the airport, I was too busy looking into the eyes of the people, so desperately wanting to communicate without words, since I don't speak Creole, that Jesus loves them!
Three months later, settling back into my routine of school schedule, and a new season of "empty-nest, during the day Mamma"...I am challenged to see beyond my surroundings. Instead of noticing picket fences, matching mailboxes, or the brief "Hello" across friendly southern front porches,that would make anyone believe in Americana to the fullest! I want to look into eyes... and with or without words communicate Love...our most basic need. The need is the same.
Sometimes we are blinded by the the greatness of the need and sometimes we have to look past the surface to see the need. I want to live in a place of daily need, able to receive from the only real source, Jesus. This is the KINGDOM of heaven on earth, for today, the ultimate Peace...Shalom!
