The Good Stuff

Photo cred: Pinterest.com

I work with a wide range of people in my job. I'm a teacher and my specialty is second chances.

I teach all kinds of people. Millionaires. Judges. Drug addicts. The disabled. All walks of life. All types of struggles. I've heard miraculous stories of God's endless, abounding love. And stories of heartache, hardship and regret.

And from my work, I have learned one valuable truth: love should always trump judgment.

Every time.

We all come into this world the same way.

And, at some point, we will all leave it. 

What truly matters are the hours spent in the company of people we are meant to cross paths with. God has people for you. All you have to do is be open to His plan.

Recently, I had the honor of teaching yet another wonderful group of people. The kind of people I can't even begin to describe because there aren't enough words in the dictionary to accurately tell you how much I love them.

I love their flaws.

I love their laughs.

I love their aches.

I love watching them persevere through their struggles.  

I love everything about their hearts.

I know that my job allows me to reach people I could never reach on my own. Because I would never walk into a place that these people frequent.

I live a life that is safe and comfortable. I never want for shelter or food or warmth. I have more friends and love in my life than any human being could ever imagine. I do not know the terrors of a jail cell. I do not know the heartache of a life that must be rebuilt out of ashes.

So, God gave me a job that allows me to sit down with a man whose wife left him and offer him the hope that is Jesus. To sit beside him and tell him that better days are ahead. That the most tragic event of his life will turn out to bring him good someday down the road. That the good he receives will allow him to show compassion and hope to others.

I know that my job allows me to encourage and support the people who most of society would toss aside. These people who are so beautiful and perfect in my eyes. Their wounds and scars tell the stories of many who have failed miserably then started over. It is a privilege to aid them, to love them and to teach them. 

I'm always astounded at God's plan. He provides the venue each week, the people who fill the seats and the words they need to hear. All I do is show up and love.

Friends, this is the good stuff. It's the part of life I hope you're not missing out on. It's the part of life that reveals just how much value you are to the Maker of the stars. I am nothing, but God gives me everything when He leads people to me.

Be willing. Be open. Be ready to enjoy the good stuff.