Links

This weekend, I experienced the truth of the saying "You are only as strong as your weakest link."   For our homeless outreach, we had everything all planned and preparations were all underway.  But, it is all not going to happen this month, mainly because of one person who was neglectful in communications and not fully invested.  There were so many who ended up being disappointed - those who looked forward to going for the very first time, because they were finally able to be off work; those who had taken time off work or had set apart time in their busy holiday schedules to fit this in; those who had prepared the message or rehearsed for the special music; those who invited friends, etc.  I'm not even sure if our "weakest link" realized what he had done or the number of people he had let down.   I was left with having to deliver the disappointing news to everyone; and am now left to consider how to better handle this ongoing.  I am seeking God's wisdom, for I need it.

However, I do trust that God is at work, even in our disappointments; and that His Timing is perfect.  We have all the blankets ready for the homeless outreach; though we will now have to wait yet another month before we can give them out.   I am thankful, though, that the blanket gift wrapping event turned out well.   About 23 people showed up to wrap the 200 hundred blankets (we put a tract in each package, and had personalized gift tags printed).   The blankets came in 6 large boxes (36 in each box about 30 pounds each). Fortunately, they were all able to fit into my car for transport.    It is nice that we were able to use the time, not only to wrap gifts for the needy, but also to fellowship with one another.  We met right after class, but was still able to set things up such that we have 4 tables with people wrapping, and were able to provide food:

• Turkey wrap rolls
• Mexican Salad (red leaf lettuce greens, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell pepper, black bean and corn with lime juice and cilantro) with Jalapeno Ranch or Lime Vinagrette dressing
• Chips
• Taquitos, Chimichungas, and Mini Tacos
• Cookies and mini chocolates
• Drinks (sodas & juices)

It ended up being almost like a class Christmas party (with a purpose).

So, having all the blankets gift-wrapped, message ready, music prepared, and people lined up - it really is a let down to find out that we are not going to be able to serve until next month.  It makes me wonder what I could've done differently to avoid this.   May God help me to learn and grow through this experience, to be a better leader.  Amen.

However, it is our link to God that enables to have the hope that He will work all things together for good, no matter what.

Update:  While it takes only one weak link for the chain to break, it turns out that it only takes one really strong link to help pull it back together again.  So, our homeless outreach is back on for this month; and we will have a chance to give out the blankets as planned.
The question then becomes, whether it is better to just bypass the weak or broken link; or to try and strengthen or fix it?

This experience made me re-evaluate one of my other friendships.  I realized that it was actually more of a drain on my energy and resources than a benefit; so, it is not so equitable.  I'm starting to "pull back", and I need to be in prayer about whether I should.  It also dawned on me that this person actually makes me to feel not so good about myself, and I do not need additional discouragement in my life.   This is contrasted by other people, like in my church, who really seem to appreciate and respect me.

26-Dec:  So we did serve yesterday.  The music was great and the message seemed to have went well.   It was just that the numbers were lower.  We were told that because it's been so cold, many were taken to the winter shelter of the rescue mission instead.   Still, we were able to serve large portions and so, were able to serve most of the food.  We gave out about half of the blankets.   The rest I took over to be given out to the rescue mission winter shelter.    I just pray that God will use all of this for His purposes and glory.