The Purpose of Paperwork

Last Saturday I went into work to try to catch up after a week's vacation. I spent the first 15 minutes crying out to God about howdisorganized my mind felt, how behind I was and was I even doing what I was supposed to be doing. There came a knock on themain door and there stood a man and his wife (I'll call them P & R).

They were looking for a pastor. My "I'm not really a pastor" shield went up and I started to tell them there was no one here today. I asked them what they wanted and they just wanted someone to talk toabout their kids, their marriage, their lives. My shield came down, and I invited them in and we sat together for an hour. They shared, their fears,
frustrations, and their sense of hopelessness.

They have four children ages 12, 10, 8 and 1. All are in foster care. F & CS has told this couple
that there is nothing they can do to get them back. P & R had been walking around the neighbourhood this morning trying to figure out what to do because their kids are with them for 7 days and they have no food to feed them and no money to buy any. "I am frightened" said P. During our time together I asked a few questions but mainly listened, which as it turned out, is what they needed me to do, then I took them to the grocery store and
drove them home.

I pondered this encounter as I drove back to the office and a realization came over me - "I don't have to try and fix this situation. I did what I was asked and that is enough." (a friend later reminded me that Jesus asked us to give a cup of water to some one in need, not to go and
build them a well.)I came back to the office and started into my paper work with a lighter heart. About three hours later there was a knock on the main door. Standing outside were two men, a woman, and four kids. They were from the neighbourhood BBQ, Ken & Pam and Keith. and
had come to see the property.Their kids had to go to the bathroom so they all trooped in and we talked for a while.

They had had a great time at the BBQ, in fact Ken had helped Steve do the cooking.Keith, a single dad on disability who had custody of his three kids, would like to come and volunteer
on the property.I told them all about Kids Club and I'm sure their kids will come. They are all looking forward to coming on June 28th. It was a great encounter.After they left I went back to my office, "Wow God, this is why I do paperwork, so I'm here when You need me."

Perhaps I should work more Saturdays........