I had a very
horrific experience some years back when Ed, our first son was 2years old.
He woke up that day
crying and was cranky till about midday. He just wouldn’t let me out of his
sight for a second. Unlike him, he cried at and for everything. His inability
to express himself made matters worse for me. He needed something and I could
not figure it out. Everything I offered was not it. Nothing was good
enough.
My frustration and
annoyance over his ceaseless sobs seemed to ascend to new levels every half
hour. I was totally helpless, but how would he know it? His persistent cry
suggested one thing- “you have what I need and I need it NOW!” How do
mothers cope with situations like this?
Ed was with me in
the kitchen as I was rounding up my chores there and suddenly, his cry went
into overdrive. He began to cry louder and louder and I thought he felt I was
ignoring him and so had to get my attention by all means. I couldn’t take it
anymore and turned sharply towards him to shout the loudest SHUT UP! I could
muster. Lo and behold, my boy’s little finger had been trapped under the lid of
the cooker all that time.
I screamed in horror
and as I lifted the metal lid off his tiny finger. I broke down and took over
the weeping from him. I sat on that kitchen floor and wept, hugging him and
kissing him. I must have said, “I’m so sorry…” over 30times that
day to him. We both cried till sleep overwhelmed us in each other’s arms. When
we woke up, he’d forgotten the episode but I still remember. I was wearing
guilt all day long like an over-size coat.
I learnt from that
encounter that every cry, every appeal, regardless of its source, is an
invitation to connect with something; that though may not warrant tears,
certainly needs me to pause long enough to reflect and engage (if necessary)
with a heart fueled by the love of Jesus.
I’ll be leaving for
Sudan via Uganda a week from today and I’m praying God to grace me with what
people along my path who are hurting, lost or just wandering through life, need;
grant me the wisdom to assess each situation carefully and the ability to
assist graciously. I earnestly desire to be buoyed by reckless faith that’s
tempered with meekness to confront difficult situations on this trip.
The twins, Patience
and Self-control come under fire so often in cross cultural mission trips,
short term or long term. Oh that my speech, my steps and stops will flow with
the rhythm of God’s heartbeat this season.
I covet your prayers
as I long to hear and respond to the faint cries of those trapped by the cares
of this life. May the unspoken pleas of any seeking a reality that can only be
found in Jesus not escape my attention. Someone could make a lifelong
commitment to the Great Commission and the Greatest Commandment on account of
this trip.
Please let me know
you’ll be on this trip with me, kneeling before the Master. That’s where I need
you most. That’s where we are at our best.
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 