Waffles.

The First Graders in my Sunday School class teach me so much; I sometimes wonder who the teacher is.  A few weeks back, a wee one was trembling in the hallway.  I hadn't noticed her when another teacher came in, "Is this little one in the hall yours?" 

There she was.  Long blonde curly locks.  Looking down at the ground.  I figured she needed a little courage to come to class.  "Can I take your hand?"  She reluctantly took it, but barely moved.  Thanks to the Holy Spirit, for in that moment, I stopped, kneeled down to her sweet face, "What's wrong, sweetie." 

"I had waffles," she replied. 

It turns out, she had syrup stuck on her face.  I don't know about you, but I HATE dried syrup on my face!  I quickly whisked her to get a wet paper towel, she wiped off her face and practically skipped to class. It was just what she needed.

By taking the time to ascertain her need, I was able to truly minister to her.  It made me wonder...

How many times have I THOUGHT I was ministering to someone when I was completely missing their need?

Take a moment.  And ask.  Get to know people's hearts before you try to do something to help them.  You might be surprised by the simple things God has for you to do for someone else.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com). 

Are you Available?

The forecast said Sunny and 80.  I knew it would be the perfect day for a picnic with my daughters.  I made a plan to be available for them.  We shopped the day before and I started packing the basket mid-morning.  In the midst of that, God brought a friend to my mind.

"Wanna have a picnic today," I texted her.  "Maybe later this week." was her reply.

She was having a bad day.  Flat tire, broken flip-flop, pre-schooler in tow.  It was a classic Monday.

I found out here little one really wanted to go to the park to play and offered to meet her there.  We arrived with plenty of food, and an extra pair of flip-flops.  Just what she needed, just when she needed it.  But only because I had been intentional to be available.

Normally I am too busy for God.  Too much work.  Too much ministry.  Too much house cleaning.  Too much time online.  Oh, and don't forget too much complaining about how much I have to do. This one day my ministry happened through strawberries, chicken salad, veggies and hummus.  Oh, and flip flops.

It was so neat to watch the result of God's plan unfold.  Who knows what He has planned for you today.  Make sure there's a spot on your "to-do" list that says "Be available."  Then, stand back and watch how you are used.

Terese Main is a morning co-host at Family Life, a network of nearly 70 Christian radio stations across New York and Pennsylvania (www.fln.org).  She also provides imaging voicework for stations in Florida, California, Minnesota, Virginia and Wisconsin (www.themainvoice.com).