Where's Your Focus?

When the children started back to school this Fall, I was filled with some mixed emotions.

What would I do with myself for 6 hours and no one grabbing for my attention?

How many times can you really clean your house in a week?

Would anyone miss me? How much would I miss them?

On and on the questions went. I spent the first few weeks deep cleaning over and over. That got old real fast. Then I went to cleaning and helping at my neighbor's house. There were only so many committees, room mom meetings, library and lunch duties I could sign up for.

Kendall had said to me at one point, find something you love and do it. So, that's what I'm doing. I've decided to give in to where my heart truly lies...helping people. That's it? Yes, that's it.

Recently we've become deeply involved with the Sudanese Lost Boys of Cleveland. We've been somewhat involved for 9 months or so. Just recently much more. Oh the heart breaking stories these men have to tell. The journey they have been on, the suffering they have endured in their early years of life. Then to be relocated to America, the land of opportunity, only to struggle more. Some of these guys have begun to bring their wives and children over. Imagine moving to a country where you know no one, don't speak or understand the language and your husband goes to school and works full time. You sit in a one bedroom apartment with your toddler because you wouldn't know where to go, even if you had a way to get there.

Our heart breaks for these families. And now we help. We tap into the connections we have to find better housing in better neighborhoods. We call upon friends who give gently used clothing and toys, household items and job opportunities. We gather women who are willing and eager to mentor the Sudanese wives. Help them learn English, cook some easy dishes, take them on "field trips" or get them together for playdates. Not alone, but with a community of people who also believe in the importance of reaching out to those in need.


God has called us...all of us... to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are called to take care of the poor, the widows, and the orphans. We are called to give. to help. to love. to be compassionate.

So, the focus has become "what can I do for someone else." When you take your eyes off yourself and focus them on helping another in need, miraculous things happen. You become filled. You want to do more for someone else.

My question is, where's your focus?