Something has been on my mind today. I realized even more today that I have changed. I am no longer what I used to be. I no longer think the same ways as I used to. Working among the poor has changed me. My heart has changed. My opinions have shifted. My eyes are opened. My mind is renewed. My focus is different.

I’m ashamed to admit that for years in my earlier life I ranted and fussed over little things like everyday messes that were made by my children or husband in the house or being unable to keep my new minivan spit shined. I would frantically pull my hair out in the morning when it didn’t cooperate, throw a fit in the closet when I couldn’t find the perfect clothes to wear and rage on the road when I was late. My patience was non existent with others (and myself)…even though I loved them, “people” actually drove me crazy.

I wrote the above two paragraphs several days ago. Today’s a new day and I wanted to come back to this post to finish it up. Yes, I have changed. And today, I see even more how God has shown me more of Himself and has caused my heart to shift hopefully more in the likeness of His. I learn something new everyday.

My patience with people has changed. I recognize people everywhere I go. Especially those who are seemingly searching, lonely or hurting. I try not to rush through life anymore trying to accomplish “my” agendas but be more sensitive to Gods agenda and to those He wants me to stop and befriend. I hope I listen more even though I still cannot help myself to share with others the sweet things Jesus has taught me.

After working with so many different struggling people, I realize now that just about everyone struggles in life. (I’m actually not being picked on.). There is no reason for me to become frantic when life doesn’t look like I think it should. Maybe it was my immaturity then, but I see older people act the way I used to. It’s okay if my nails aren’t perfectly manicured and my house is not something always ready to be on the front cover of a magazine. That’s not what matters most to me anymore.

My opinions…I realize that so many misunderstandings occur because people think that they know what they may not truly know or because something is ever so slightly said in a different way that it seems utterly wrong when in fact it’s often the same thing said. I think Satan uses confusion to pull people apart from one another as well as from God a lot more often than we may realize. I think there are so many who wouldn’t say or do hurtful things if they understood what they don’t really understand but think they understand! Are you following me? I think there is a lot behind the statement Jesus said the day of His death, “Father, forgive them for they do not understand”. For if we understood so many things better then we may not react a lot of the ways that we do.

Life isn’t as stressful for me as it used to be and my life possibly has more going on in it today than it did before. I don’t get in a tissy so easily and I can hold my tongue a little easier. I realize more and more just how short and precious life is. My passion for Jesus remains strong and grows more and more each day I get out of my box (my home, my comfort zone, my own surroundings, my “me” world). I hardly ever have panic attacks, raging moments or depressive days anymore.

I am so thankful for what God has shown me through serving others, especially through helping my refugee friends. I am grateful that I am allowed to help them and appreciate every opportunity I am given. They have helped me more than I could ever help them. I am changed.

If you want to help disadvantaged families through Asha’s Refuge, you are needed! I don’t think you’ll be sorry for the time you spend. Please get in touch with us.