Coffee & Dreams #2

From July 2005

Do ya’ll ever have dreams that you sense are meant to teach you something? I had one two nights ago. I woke with a start just as the worst was about to happen.

In the dream, the little junker car I was driving was tipping sideways and sinking into bubbling mud that filled the ditch by the road. Here is what led up to that.

In the dream I was given a bunch of toys, stuffed animals, kids clothes and I knew of a particular family in need. I was driving around, lost, trying to find that family. I stopped at one home to ask direction. I had to tiptoe across a muddy yard to the house. It was dark, the people there were poor, expressionless and hopeless. I asked for directions and the faces all just looked at me. So I walked back across the muddy yard, got into my car and tried to drive away in search of the ones in need - only to find myself tipping over and sinking into a bottomless pit of mud.

end of dream

Earlier that day Mom showed me a copy of a Times article about the woman who talked the rapist/murderer who held her captive into surrendering. One part of the article said she shared with him some from “A Purpose Driven Life”. I don’t remember the exact words but it was something about sharing or encouraging spontaneously when you see a need and that the opportunity to do so may not last. I’m sure that having that article on my mind had something to do with the dream. In the dream, I was blind to the need so obvious right in front of me.

I have a friend who has been to Africa once, and her husband has been twice, to minister to and help people with building churches. She is anxious to go again and has been upset that our work schedule has gotten in the way. I know some are meant to go to Africa to witness and help those people and I’m not against that but I know there are many closer to home in need. Anyway, this dream just spoke to me. As I go through each day I need to be watchful for those in need and then to actually do something.

So I’m glad for the dream. And okay…I’ll try…but I may need to step outside my comfort zone!

Today's comment on this many moons old dream -

Last weekend I got to help. To do so, I had to step outside my comfort zone twice. I stopped at a convenience store for drinks and snacks on my way to soccer games. A lady and small child were having car trouble...I know nothing about cars but my first clue was hood up, smoke pouring from engine, the lady pouring water over the engine to cool it off. The vehicle was an ancient and rusted GMC Jimmy. So I pondered - obviously I couldn't fix anything but I could offer to let her use my cell phone or give her some money toward the repair. I got up my nerve and approached her. "Looks like you are having trouble," I said. She probably thought she was dealing with a genius at that point. :-) She said yes and that her son had gone to get a part. So I peeked in and said hi to the little boy in the car. He was about 3 years old, wearing his pj's, playing with a cigarette. She didn't need the cell phone...and since the part was being purchased as we spoke, I felt odd to just offer her money. So I visited a minute, wished her luck and went inside and made my purchases. I walked out to my car and looked down at my change from a $20.00 bill. I put my bottled waters, diet coke, and twizzlers (for my grandkids) into the car and then walked back over to the woman. I gave her the change and told her they could get something to drink while they waited. She asked the little fellow if he wanted a drink and thanked me. They waved goodbye to me and walked into the store as I drove off. Yea!

Now, we are supposed to do good deeds anonymously. And I did. Feels a little weird to write about it but I'm not seeking glory. Just reminding myself, and sharing with anyone who reads this, about the importance of responding spontaneously to needs of others.