Unexpected Blessings

I've recently received a huge blessing from an unexpected source. Our church, Mosaic, has a partnership with Shepherd's Door, a women's shelter that operates as an arm of the Portland Rescue Mission. Once a month a team from Mosaic runs evening activities for the women and children who are a part of this community. A few months ago, Mosaic made an announcement that they were looking for folks willing to run a shuttle service so women from Shepherd's Door could attend a gathering. We live three minutes from this amazing facility. It wasn't hard to hear the Holy Spirit. I didn't even want to make excuses. I just wanted to obey, knowing that when I obey the Lord, He blesses me in ways that I would miss otherwise. So I signed up. That was in June. Nothing happened. I went to a meeting of other Mosaic folks who are part of the team that ministers at Shepherd's Door once a month. We talked logistics of the shuttle service, and a sign up sheet was created and placed where the women could see it. Still nothing happened. Isn't waiting weird. There were some Sundays when I was sincerely grateful that nobody signed up and others when I just felt bummed. Then last week, I got the call saying there were two women who had signed up and would be ready for pick-up at 8:45am. I buzzed down the road, excited and a little nervous, not quite sure what to expect.
I struggle to put words to this next part of the story because it was so amazing and beautiful. These two ladies, recently homeless and recovering addicts, got into my car and as we drove toward church, one of them began to share a little bit of her story. To God be the glory - He has done great things to bring her through the darkest places humanity offers into His grace through the love of Jesus Christ. I was seriously crying tears of amazement and joy at her story. Did I mention I had known this woman for less than ten minutes? She didn't care and neither did I. Her joy is in her Redeemer and the healing that only He had given her. My joy is in seeing the reality of Jesus Christ in a broken life. It gets more amazing.
We arrived, found seats and worship started. There is something more meaningful about the song lyrics, Our God saves when you are standing next to someone who has experience the worst of life and been rescued by the One True God. All the truths about the God I worship were even more real as I sang His praises with these two women. Tears ran down my face and I was reminded of God's goodness toward me and all others who will humble themselves and turn toward Him. Wanna hear the best part? They came again today. And we sang and praised and cried. We listened to the Word and were edified. I'm getting more out of church because I'm putting more into it. Have you ever heard that before? I had. I am so thankful for the reminder.
After the gathering was over, a friend who is on staff at Mosaic came up and thanked me for bringing the ladies. I smiled and told her what a huge blessing it is for me to do so. And I'm NOT just saying that. It's true. When I give my life (my time, my money, my energy) away for Jesus Christ, I never come back empty handed. He's just like that.