Right where you're at!

Have you ever thought about how many occupations there are in the world? Your interest in your vocation is not born of your own making. So many workplace believers and even pastors have made the mistake of encouraging us who have a deep desire to walk with Christ in the workplace to pursue vocational ministry. To remove us from the workplace where the greatest harvest is yet to occur would be to remove us from where God called us. We can share Christ right where we are at!

We continue to get to travel around the Midwest, primarily Iowa, meeting new people nearly everywhere we go. This weekend we spent 24 hours with a school custodian, housewife, farmer, mom, universal worker (yep, that was really her title) and a funeral director. They are all passionate people about people. Laughter came easy in this group and there were even a few tears here and there. We spent our time learning ways to reach out to couple, with the goal of strengthening relationships. These people are working in the field of their home town. They are caring for the people around them on a day to day basis. They told stories of phone calls and break talks at work where their neighbors and co-workers are reaching out to them for help and encouragement. That tells me that they are living, representing the love of Christ well in their community.
Another small town we have visited started a Saturday night, free get-together in a community center in their downtown. They just want to provide a safe, fun place to be on Saturday nights. The last time we were there, there were about 70 people of all ages there. Again, they just want to "do life" in their home town, reaching out to all those around them.
My daughter called last week. A friend at work had a sudden, really tough situation come up and money was really tight. She called a few friends (who didn't even know this person) and they got some money together to help her out.

I am encouraged and challenged to look around my neighborhood to see how I can become more involved with those that live near me. What's going on in your neighborhood? Share your story and encourage the rest of us!