Not MY House
When a recent cold snap brought Houston temperatures down near 20 degrees for three nights in a row, the local Christian radio station started issuing pleas for listeners to bring coats, blankets, etc to the downtown shelters for all the homeless who would be seeking refuge. When my wife heard of their plight, she asked me “what are we going to DO to help these people?” I had already responded to several other needs that day, so in noble pastoral fashion, I responded, “Right now I’m tired of helping people. We’re not the only ones in the world. Let somebody else help them.”
Thankfully, my more Godly side won out and after a few phone calls, we ended up with a 7 month pregnant woman and her three sons who stayed in our home for several days until the cold had passed. They had no electricity, their car heater didn’t work, and they were in a pretty desperate situation.
Considering what it meant to this family, our sacrifice was well worth it. We spent a little money, prepared a bit more food, and the kids gave up their bedrooms for a weekend. No big deal. But the lessons we learned were invaluable. Lesson #1 — it’s not our house. God owns this house, and He has been good enough to let us stay here for a while. We’re just travelers passing through on our way to heaven anyway. So, if the house is His, what better way to use it than to help care for those that He cares about.
What if I viewed all my possessions that way? It’s not my car . . . it’s His. How does God want to use His car? To shuttle me back and forth to work — Yes. But how else? And that new lawnmower — it’s great for cutting my lawn . . . but does God have even bigger plans for it?
What would it look like if I’d tithe not only “my” paycheck, but “my” house and “my” car and “my” time as well? Food for thought . . .
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I've been brought to your site through Layla and I find comfort here..I've found answers, I've found peace..Thank you…I wish your church was on the east coast..
March 8th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hello from a new reader. I too found your blog through little Layla Grace, and I have to tell you that I was not raised "religiously" or to believe in "God", per se…but I am finding comfort as well in your writings, and they are making sense to me. Though I haven't known "God" before, I have been praying nearly nonstop for little Layla and the Marsh family for the past week–something I have never done before. Also praying for a friend who is in the hospital, and another friend who is dying of cancer.
I take nothing for granted, especially not my own 8 month old daughter and my husband. I do not consider myself materialistic, and this has further led me to want a simpler life, and to help others even more if possible.
I just wanted to let you know and I will continue to read on your site for my education. Thank you for your excellent and comforting writings, and for being there for the Marsh family during this difficult time.
March 8th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Melanie,
Thank you for your comment. Little Layla has touched a LOT of lives, and I'm touched to hear that you are one of those. I know it means a great deal to Ryan and Shanna to see the ripple effects that Layla's life is having. It doesn't take away the sorrow and the loss, but it does help to give meaning and purpose to all this.
As you ask some of those deeper questions of life and faith, I will gladly do anything I can to answer questions or simply pray for you in that journey. You are taking the right first step by praying to him. It doesn't have to be anything formal or scripted — just talk to him. He's there, listening, and waiting to lead you to the next step. God bless that journey that you are on!
– Pastor Michael