hope for the weary

Today, I went to work hoping that it would be a better day.

I'm quite serious about this- I actually went in early because there was a teaching round, which means two things that would make me happy:
1. free food
2. education

If anything, I left feeling even more dejected- both of the cases discussed had ended in tragedy for the people involved.

Shortly after, I ran into a friend. Well, she was really more of an acquaintance than a friend. But for some reason, when she asked me how I was, instead of blurting out the usual "I'm doing well", I kind of had a "verbal diarrhoea" moment and spilled my guts on how despondent and directionless I was.

She gently directed me to a table, bid me take a seat, and listened. And then after that, she gave me loving counsel and encouragement. When I returned to my ward, yet another acquaintance spoke kind words into my life. I think that was quite well timed, because I had a headache during my entire shift, and had to do some overtime to tie up all the loose ends.

When I finally returned home, I was surprised to see that there were several compassionate messages awaiting me in quick succession.

Why? These messages were from busy people, who have nothing to gain whatsoever from me, and whom I do not even consider amongst my closest circle of friends. What makes people look outside of themselves and reach out to others? What makes a beggar give out of his poverty?

Again, I am reminded- God encourages. God gives.

Luke 21 v3-4: “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (NIV)