Gratitude

The last few weeks at our house have been intense.  Isabella had her surgery and spent 6 days in the hospital. I will never forget the look on Kellen's face the night she returned to my home after her daughter's surgery.  Pure relief and joy.  Her daughter had been given another chance at life.  With tears in her eyes, she told me thank you.  I felt so humbled.  I had done nothing but offer a place for her to stay, and I was amazed once again that God had caused our lives to intersect at this very moment.  

"Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere."

To say being a host family has been all fun and no struggle is to be withholding the truth.  There have been moments when I have asked myself, "What was I thinking to sign up for this?"  Yet, God has given me many glimpses into why this is worth it.

One of those glimpses happened today at Isabella's follow-up appointment.  Kellen, Jean, Isabella, and I were waiting in one of the examining rooms after hearing some good news that Isabella's progress was where it should be.  Kellen looked at me and said, "I have nothing to give you but I want to thank you."  Again, I felt completely humbled and unworthy of her gratitude.  I told her what she has given me was in my heart.  I told her I would never forget her or Isabella and I started to cry.  She hugged me, and I wondered if she really understood all that she has given me.

She has given me the gift of being used, the gift of being clay in the Potter's hand, the gift of being an ordinary, broken piece of pottery.  Yet, when the clay pot is broken, the treasure that is inside can spill out and bless others.  She has given me the gift of perspective, the reminder of God's greatness and my plainness.  She has given me the chance to be the hands and feet of Christ, and for that gift, I am the one that is grateful.