Wonder

 “Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world. It's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.” (Doug Henning)

The older I get. The more jaded I become. I believe it’s an emotional defense mechanism on my part. In my past, I have put up emotional walls when someone lied to me, and caused me to get into trouble for trusting what they led me to believe was the truth (all in the attempts to keep themselves out of getting in a huge mess). Some call this “being thrown under the bus.” It’s no fun, and is painful to realize you are playing the part of the idiot in this situation.

I take very little in my life at face value. I tend to question everything. This includes my belief in God.  This type of personality has both its advantages and disadvantages. I am always out various sources for the absolute truth any situation (before I come to my final conclusion.) Having faith in God with no physical proof (and just emotions) can often be a hard concept for me to connect on to. I am a curious individual as to how things work together, and the motive people have behind what they do.

I often struggle with having a heart of compassion (as I need to) for those individuals holding up the card board signs (in my community) asking for some kind of help whether it be food, money, or gas. I wonder why they can’t get a job, if they are legitimate, or part of some money-making scheme so I do nothing instead. (Honestly, this kind of stuff scares me.  How quickly could I become these people if my family lost their household income?)

We have all seen individuals on a road (or freeway) with their thumbs out (or a broken down car) in need. My very nature as a “nice guy” wants to stop, and help, but my mind reminds me that I need to stay safe so I drive on by.

Proverbs 19:17 (VOICE) says: Whoever cares for the poor makes a loan to [God]. Such kindness will be repaid in full and with interest.  The heavenly Father is looking for obedience from you when He asks you to do something for someone less fortunate than you. I honestly don’t believe the motive behind the needy person is of greater importance than your obedience to His will. As we all know, a person’s true motives in any situation eventually make itself known. It is a marvelous thing to realize that when you aid a disadvantaged child of God (that you are actually demonstrating your love to your heavenly Father).

Personally, God has always repaid the good I have done for others in a way (and quantity) I could never have imagined. Be assured that God loves more than you could ever imagine.