Two Conversations

Recently I talked to two different women in one day.

The one was in tears, feeling overwhelmed with a situation in her life, something similar to poor health--impossible to control and very frustrating.

The other was much more "together." She was happy, disciplined, reading a "heavy" spiritual book, learning a lot, and making sure her priorities were in order.

Yet, somehow I was more blessed by the first conversation than the second, more ministered to by the tears than the smiles.

Obviously, it doesn't always work this way. Sometimes the needy people drain all your energy and the others put it back. But we get this idea that the only way you can minister to others is to have all your ducks in a row.

I once read a book by the parents of John Hinckley, Jr., telling how they went from being wealthy and "together" to hitting bottom when their son tried to assassinate President Reagan. I don’t remember much of the book except for one line that often comes back to me:

Quote of the Day:
"God uses us wounded and broken."