Core scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:4-5)

Message: I pray this prayer sometimes.  God, use me today.  After finding out how God answered that prayer on Friday, I realized I should be praying that prayer more often!  A LOT more often.  Wanna hear a story?

After running into our librarian during first period, I found out she was in need of some extra golf clubs and balls for the after school mini golf event.  Golf is my thing!  Well, it used to be.  Back in the day.  Like over half my life ago.  I pretend to be a golfer now at least, and a quick five-minute drive home in my plan hour was certainly doable.  Especially to help Kathryn!

Fast forward to third hour.  I was greeting kids at the door when I noticed one of them had her head down immediately.  I checked in on her before the bell rang to see if this was tiredness or frustration.  Upon further review, it wasn’t tiredness.  It was sheer exhaustion!  She was a walking zombie.  And I felt awful for her.

She tried staying awake, but it just wasn’t happening!  I quietly offered to grab her a soda on my way home.  The 7-11 was right on the way. 

“Pepsi, please!” she ordered. 

I threw my coat on, hopped in the car, and was at 7-11 in no time.  Upon entering the store, I spotted an older man with a Vietnam Veteran hat on.  This was a no-brainer.  I used the same one-liner that I always use on those guys.

“Thank you for your service to our country,” I smiled at him, shaking his hand.

“Vietnam AND Desert Storm,” he replied proudly. 

This prompted more conversation as I filled the Pepsi.  Before I knew it, he was pulling out his phone, showing me war pictures. 

“You got time for a quick story?” he inquired.

“Sure!”

I could have chatted this guy for hours.  He was clicking on his phone.  I saw his name: Michael Clark.  He proceeded to share with me an amazing picture. 

“That’s me!  Right there, reaching out to grab that little girl!”

The excitement in his voice was contagious.  He went on to tell me the story.  The three-year-old girl was getting rescued, being passed from one boat to another.  The picture went viral.  It even made the cover of a magazine! 

“So, I am talking to this Asian lady years down the road, and she tells me she was raised in Vietnam …” he continues.

“No way!” I said, already predicting his next line.  “No way!”

He laughed at me, “Yep!  It was her!  I pulled out my phone, showed her the picture and everything.  The paper did a story about it!” 

“That is incredible,” I said.  “Sir, can I buy your drink for you?”

“Tell you what.  I am going to buy YOUR drink!” he said, fishing out a few bucks from his wallet. 

We chatted it up for a few more minutes, but I knew I had to get back.  We exchanged numbers, I went home to grab the golf stuff, and I was back at school with plenty of time to spare.  The girl got her soda, the golf event was a blast, and before we knew it, the weekend was upon us.

I sat down on my black leather chair Friday evening and texted Michael, thanking him for the opportunity to meet him.  We both agreed that a coffee date in the near future would have to happen, and he said he loved giving back to all veterans, especially the ones that suffer from PTSD.  His story was an inspiration to me!

I finally texted that we would love to hear him speak about his service at our FCA group on Wednesday mornings.  Wouldn’t you know it?  He said he would love to reach out.  I cannot wait to see this man again and introduce him to the students in our huddle! 

Why am I telling you all this?  Well, none of this would have happened if I hadn’t wanted to help someone out.  Two people as a matter of fact: our librarian and my sleepy student.  Following God’s nudge to leave the building and miss a bit of my plan hour may have been the best choice I made all day!  I met a new friend and I helped two people in need.

What about you?  How can God use you today?  Do me a favor.  Pray that prayer right now, and watch and see the amazing things He does!  It is so worth the ride. 

Challenge: Where is God calling you to go today?  Where is He asking you to serve?  Spend time with the Lord in prayer before you begin your day, and follow His will for you. 

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Pray for God to use you in mighty ways!
• Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to live out His will.

Just for fun: So, when I returned to work on Friday, I told myself I would drop off the student’s Pepsi to her at the end of the hour.  It totally slipped my mind!  As 6^th hour was ready to begin, I saw the Pepsi sitting on my desk and told one of my students to go run it down to room 113.  I got an e-mail later that hour saying that now everybody wants to fall asleep in my class so they too can get a soda! 

Oh, brother.

Prayer: Lord, may we listen to Your nudges and follow where You need us to go.  Amen.