Lost?

This weekend one word comes to mind: overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with my finances. Overwhelmed with fears. Overwhelmed with doubts. But also overwhelmed with emotions. Overwhelmed with God's Amazing love and grace.

As most of you know, yesterday marked the ten year anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history, 9-11, or September Eleventh. There was much talk about retaliatory attacks on the US since al Qaida enjoys their hype. Thankfully, by God's grace, nothing of great proportions like ten years ago occurred yesterday.

But we cannot forget what happened that fateful day. We must remember what happened. Not just to learn from the security mistakes that lead to the catastrophic disasters of the World Trade Center Towers, Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon; but to remember the sacrifices given for the freedoms we hold so dear in our great country. Remembering the first responders on the scenes of these horrific acts of terrorism, that gave so much of themselves, some losing their earthly lives. The countless number of workers in the Twin Towers at the time of the attacks, losing their lives, but not ever to be forgotten.

Every soul, God loves. God loves His creation, whether or not we acknowledge Him as Almighty God. God loves.

So here's my story of this weekend: my roommate, David, wants to go to the Bay Area to help his brother pack and leave for Hawaii. Amazing, right? For a guy who is leaving California because he cannot find a job decides to go to Hawaii. I guess if you're unemployed, why not be unemployed in Hawaii? Actually, I hear there are more sales jobs in Hawaii than in the state of California. Talk about making a poor business climate in California worse: people have to leave the state to find a half-decent job! But I digress. I suppose you can tell my frustration with government, nowadays.

Anyway, so after David finishes his work shift Saturday, I pick him up and drive him to the Dublin-Pleasanton BART station, where his brother picks him up. I had decided to go to church Sunday anyway, because I was going to serve on the video team for our church's Sunday evening service for the Week of Waiting on God . We're having special services this week designed for worship, communion and prayer, and teaching from the Bible.

Sunday, I actually worship in the Video Cafe. After church, I go to lunch, then go to a park off of Douglas Blvd. and Barton Road, where I find a nice, shady spot to relax before going in to serve for the evening service. Shortly after I park, a car pulls up next to me on the right.

"Amigo", says the guy in the car next to me. He gets out of his car and approaches me on the driver's side window. He's lost, and he's looking for a street (still on my iPhone maps app), Primrose Lane.
He had a Google maps direction sheet in his hand, but he missed a turn on Sierra College Blvd. I wasn't sure if he really understood me because of his limited use of English, but I tried to clearly explain where to go and show him where to turn; where he missed his turn. I do hope he found the place where he was going, because I noticed on his Google maps directions, he came from San Jose.

I felt good helping my Amigo. Fast forward after the evening service. I was walking to my car when I was approached by an older lady. She asks me where the cross and flags are. For 9-11, Bayside sold American flags commemorating the 3,000 plus lives lost in the attacks. The flags were (still currently there) placed around the perimeter of the church property, the drop-off circle and around the crosses at the courtyard entry. Instead of just telling her where to go, I walked with her back into the courtyard. Apparently, she said this was her first time at Bayside (?)! At a Sunday evening service, which we usually don't have?!

It was neat chatting with her, leading her back to the main parking lot, where she left her car. How cool it was to help those lost, help find their way back on track. And I was filled with joy in helping both the Amigo and the older lady from that lost feeling. I hope I see the lady again because of my kindness in helping her find her way back to her car. That's God's love in action! Overwhelming!

Isn't that what the Christian life is all about? That's what Christian ministry is all about! We are to help the lost find their way... to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Are you lost? Need to find your way? Ask Jesus into your life, and He will give you a new life in God!

Lord Jesus, please help me because I need You! I am lost without You! Please help me, lead me and show me where You want me to go. I give my life to You, Holy God. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart and guide me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! For those already in God's family, do not forget what Christ has done for you. Remember, our freedom in Christ is even so much greater than the freedoms we have as Americans (kind of back to my government rant, like earlier!).

Overwhelmed!

Blessings,
Garret