dogs and water

I should be packing. I should be folding clothes. I should be cleaning off the dining room table. I should be getting the car ready for our trip tomorrow. All these things still to do in a week that seems to have flown right past me.

I just want to take a minute and journal what I fell asleep thinking about last night, woke up thinking about this morning, but in the busyness of this day already seems distant.

We set out to find some hungry people last night. Bought our grill, 50 dogs, 50 bottles of water. We stood in the parking lot of Walmart - the beginning of our adventure. Who knew a little propane grill could have so many pieces!

When the grill was finally assembled, we made the most logical call one would make prior to heading to a downtown to seek out homeless people, we called and invited the Negrons. Of course, they were ready to go when we picked them up 10 minutes later.

We first checked under the Market St. Bridge. The officer there said we might find 3 or 4 homeless people near the post office. We drove around, but didn't really see anyone. I was beginning to think the evening might just turn out to be a good time with Efrain and Lisa.

We finally ended up in front of the Rescue Mission and had the privilege of serving dogs and water to a boat load of men, women and children. Some were residents of the mission, some lived near by. And we had a blast. Efrain proclaimed God's love (like only he can), Steve kept things moving along, Lisa made sure no hot dog left the grill before it's time, and I parked myself in a place where I could just visit. It was cool, very cool. I was able to hear how God has used the Rescue Mission to literally rescue several men. I got to meet some beautiful kids and moms. I can't wait to go back.

God, keep those faces embedded in my mind.

Be Near

"Be Near. Be near, O God of me. Your nearness to me is my good."

Breathe in, Breathe out.

You are a good God. All the time you are good.

Desperation within, need overwhelms.

Be Near, O God.