You Are Someone's Answer to Prayer!
In June, my niece came to visit us from Argentina for two weeks! She’d never been in America before and loved every minute of her stay. We visited Richmond, DC and most of the surrounding areas. She was so overwhelmed by everything. Loved the monuments in DC, the White House and the Museum. We stayed a weekend but got to see a lot.
She couldn’t believe how many choices of cereal boxes, milk, vitamins and candy -and everything else we get to enjoy daily at any grocery store! She was pleasantly surprised by how kindly everyone treated her. She commented on how pretty all the flowers look in all the gardens in Richmond and of course loved the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. That was so majestic to see!
My niece was also fascinated by the shopping in Short Pump of course! Visiting the nail and hair salon was a total blast! We also went to the movies and she made time to hang out with her cousins. She told me she had really enjoyed herself here at home. The last day we packed her suitcases together. Phew! We got everything in! I might already have Platinum status at packing my guests’ suitcases!
She loved having a summer break in the middle of their Winter in Argentina, so she flew back to Buenos Aires this past Wednesday with a tan, just in time for her second semester in College and to attend her day job. We had such a fun couple of weeks! She said she’ll never forget this trip! Bless her heart!
Almost every year with my husband we invite one of our five nieces or three nephews to visit us here in the United States as a special treat. They get to live with us, we go sight-seeing, shopping, they visit the boys’ school, and all the other places we normally go and for them it’s like a dream come true. We started this tradition like nine years ago and everyone's really enjoyed it. Also, it helps us bond with the younger generation. We love having them over!
I know it’s a big deal for these young adults to even own a passport, travel abroad on their own, and get to know another culture. They always thank us for granting them this opportunity. To us, really it’s no problem. It’s our privilege! In reality, after all, it’s just air miles, shopping cash and a few outings; yet I know to them it’s a really big deal to visit “The United States of America” sometimes for the very first time. With my husband we know we can help them bring their dream to pass so we keep on doing it. It brings us so much joy to see them enjoy themselves!
Sometimes I think even in small ways, we can ALL become somebody’s answer to prayer. In many ways we can be the ones who can fulfill a dream for another person. I know you’re thinking, well I don’t know if I can do it! -Sure you can! Paul Shane Spear said: “As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” That inspires me every time.
See, we all have the potential to become somebody’s miracle. We all have gifts, skills, something we do really well, or at least some sort of training, including people we know, other valuable connections and of course our resources. I don’t know if we actually realize how blessed we really are! Those gifts are built into each one of us. We just need to find which one will help others the most and then use it for that purpose.
What my family does is just an example. It might not have to be a trip of course. It doesn’t even really need to be cash necessarily. Sometimes, just taking time to mentor someone who’s less experienced than you are, will save that person a lot of learning time on the job. Other people might be able to give their presence. Just visiting with someone and listening to what they have to say is such a premium commodity these days! Other ways might include helping others to succeed. Assisting someone in a more secondary role, sometimes takes humility to help others get ahead. That’s a gift!
Others may be great at encouraging those who’ve lost their way or their hope or worse, a loved one. They are kind human beings who try hard to help in any way they can just by encouraging those in need. -That’s a great gift! It means so much to those who receive it.
Volunteering or supporting a charity or a cause with your time are also non-cash gifts yet, are so valuable to any organization. Like I joined NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and I’m selling handcrafted bracelets as a fundraiser and I will probably do their walk in September. I’m so excited! Little things like this can make a big difference.
And what do you know? You might even have some miracles in your closet! Someone might be able to wear the clothes, shoes or bags that you’re not using right this minute. Whatever your gift is, bless others with it. Find a cause that’s close to your heart! Get involved! I can assure you, you will feel so much joy when you give to others all you can.
In Acts 20:35 we are reminded of what Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Not only will you change someone’s world, but you will be changed as well. Random acts of kindness have a way of doing that -any day of the week. Try something new this Summer! You will be amazed at the joy you will feel in return, when you become somebody’s helper, teacher, mentor or sponsor.
Go ahead make someone’s day today! God will bless you for doing so.
Wishing you a great Summer!
All the best,
Maria A. Mansfield
Author: Life is Worth Getting Better
