It Wasn't About the Chairs.

Bob and Kathy (not their real names) were our last clients of the morning.  They came to us seeking some living room furniture and other things to furnish their new apartment.  As we talked and completed paperwork, it became clear that Bob had recently experienced some sort of physical crisis that had significantly impaired his mobility.  I don't remember how they found their way to our door, but I could tell that Kathy was incredibly stressed.  As someone else helped Bob look for a recliner, she proceeded to tell me that she really needed some chairs for their kitchen table.  We moved toward the back of the warehouse and she continued to talk about the chairs in a slightly agitated manner, her speech coming faster and faster as we walked.  I showed her the chairs that were available and watched her frown as she barely glanced at them.  "Kathy," I said, trying to catch her eye, "are you OK?"  Her eyes filled with tears and she whispered, "no."

I suggested we have a seat on one of the couches that cover the warehouse floor and she sank down and proceeded to spill their story, how Bob had been diagnosed with a progressive neurological disease and she just wasn't sure how to handle it all.  We sat together as she expressed her fears and concerns for their future even with their shared faith in Jesus.  There wasn't really much for me to say as she poured out what she must have been holding back for quite some time.  When she finally fell silent, I asked if we could pray together.

We did send Kathy and Bob home with a recliner and several other pieces of furniture, but it was clear that the Sharing Shed had served them in more ways than that.  We see families in crisis, like Kathy and Bob, who humbly come to receive material things, but I am constantly reminded that the most important thing we will ever give them is our time and a glimpse of how our heavenly Father cares for, listens to, and loves us.

 But certainly God has heard;

            He has given heed to the voice of my prayer.

      Blessed be God,

            Who has not turned away my prayer

            Nor His lovingkindness from me.

Psalm 66:19-20

Come and see what God has done, and be a part of what He might do through the Sharing Shed.  There are so many who will come through our doors, and there will never be too many people to sit and listen to them the way our God listens to us; would you consider joining us?