perspective adjustment

you know how sometimes you have moments of pure clarity? where something pops your self-made bubble and you see, really see, the reality of those around you - people who aren't insulated by subdivisions and shopping lists and all that. yesterday, i had such a moment. after seeing dad off at the nashville airport, i realized that i was actually out and about during steak'n'shake's happy hour. how often does that happen? never. so, i stopped and got a shake (of course), and a meal that i didn't really need, but went ahead with ordering. then, not three blocks down the road, i look over and see her: a mother, and her daughter (about 8 or 9), with a homemade sign. she'd been laid off, and they would appreciate anything. how could i pass that by? i stopped and gave them the food and some bottled water and the few dollars i actually had on me. she was crying and so was i. i cried all the way home. i was wishing i had more to give, and praying that they would find what they need.

i'm so thankful for this experience - heavenly father's children are hurting right here and right now and this opened my eyes to that. i didn't just read about it and it touched me. i saw it with my own eyes, felt my heart break inside, and hugged this woman with these arms. so, i'll be looking for ways i can help, things i can do.

i wanted to start with saying "thank you" to our loving family and friends. even if we found ourselves in a position where we lost everything, i have such comfort in knowing that we have somewhere we can go while getting back on our feet. i can't imagine not having that underlying feeling of confidence and security that, no matter what, things really will be okay. you have made our world a better place, and we appreciate you.

thank you.