Porch Visits

My husband and I just left the porch of dear friends and my heart is heavy; heavy because it’s stirring.

We were told to stop by, “No need to text,” and did just that.  We were escorted around the yard, saw beautiful gardens carefully cared for, and left with a big bucket of home-grown peanuts and a potted plant.  I never leave their house empty handed and my heart wants to soak up every word they tell us.

Our conversation was sweet and the fellowship sweeter, but why heavy hearted?

It is because although strong in spirit and body, they have more years behind than ahead.  

I see their knees are like my fathers, with faint vertical lines from past surgery.
 

Ryan and I treasure our time together with them because as with anyone, we never know how many “porch visits” we have left like this one.

Time goes so fast.  

My mind keeps thinking, “Who will take their place? Where are the quality Christians, tempered, ready to jump on board and fill in the gaps?” 

They serve when no one sees; fixing toilets, mowing grass, caring for the church, calming hearts, etc. You name it, they do it- unseen and not asking for applause.  There is so much wisdom wrapped up in the life they have lived.  It is a source of comfort to my husband and I to glean from.

It’s our generation’s turn.

We cannot just show up to church when convenient (if at all), sit and listen, feel good, feel conviction on a rare occasion, and then leave. I call it, “punch-a-time-card Christianity.”

Where is the grit? Where is the show-up? Where is the serving? What will it take to get our attention? Who will take the mantle?

I cannot get too wrapped up in the unknown and do not mean to brow beat; but I am burdened.  Since the Lord expects me to be a “doer” not just a “thinker,” I point the finger back at myself and say, “What are you going to do now, Andrea?” 

I am a type-A personality (get ready) I answer this with a list:

• Walk through MY front door and love on my kiddos.  You see, that’s who Jesus has given me to invest in.  Whoever is in your life (siblings, students, friends) need to see a beautiful representation of Jesus.  No one cares what you say unless they know you care.

• Take them to church when the doors are open and serve with them. Make it a priority! Remember, the grit, the service, the show-up is caught; not taught. 

• Continue to learn from the previous generation and write things down. I just found old emails from my Gram, who passed away, with her pecan pie recipe she sent my newlywed self.  Being able to look back is priceless to me.  If not written I may not remember and she’s not here to ask again. 

• Pray the same Jesus that got ahold of my heart and radically changed it will do the same for others. He’s the same yesterday, and today, and forever! No need for doom and gloom; this world is dark but God is still in the heart-changing business! He will also send laborers.
   

Luke 10:2 , “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”

For the generation coming up behind me:

I see you.  I want nothing more than for you to thrive in this life you’ve been given.  Please have a teachable spirit as my generation tries to be patient teachers.  Draw from the experienced wells of wisdom around you. They may not tell unless you ask.  Typically, the wise wait to be asked.  Draw it out.  

And for the older-than-me generation, you are still very much needed! It is no time to quit!  We are watching.  We’re learning. We’re thankful. We are jumping in too.

Deuteronomy 32:7 , “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.”