The Tempering of a Heart

This is one of Caleb's senior pictures that our oldest, Hannah, took of him.

I have wrestled tonight with whether or not to post this. It could easily come across as boastful. And so I must preface it with this: what is happening in the hearts of our children is only because of our Faithful Abba. As parents, we cannot bring forth these fruits in our kids. It is ALL Him! And He wants to do it for all of us, as we entrust these precious souls to Him. I cannot even begin to comprehend what He has done and is doing for us. But we must testify to His power and glory. So with that said, here goes . . .
 
Caleb was later than normal getting home tonight. He called to tell me that he would be here soon and then he said, "I'll explain what happened when I get there." Well, of course I was concerned at that point. I asked him if he was okay and he assured me he was. So I told him to wait until he was home to tell me whatever it was that had happened. In my heart, I was thinking, "I want him safe, here in front of me, so I really know everything is alright."

I waited. And waited. He didn't come home, and he didn't come home, and I started growing more concerned! So I called him. "I'm on our street. I'll be there in a minute."

When he came in, I was more than ready for the suspense to be over. 

He began his explanation by giving a summary of his day. It started this morning at 4 a.m. when he drove over to a neighboring town to help at a church that feeds homeless folks. Then he had his college classes and work. He got off at 5 and was heading to a meeting for the House of Prayer. 

Having a few minutes to spare, he stopped at a store. When he went back out to his Jeep, an elderly man had fallen in the parking lot between two vehicles. He ran over to him and helped him up, then helped him into the store to find the man's wife. After coming back out, there was a homeless man in the parking lot. Of course Caleb went over to talk to him. We have told the kids they are not allowed to give rides or cash to strangers and so he told the man, and a second homeless man that suddenly showed up, that if they would walk over to the Taco Bueno he would buy them dinner. 


It is supposed to be in the single digits tonight and Caleb was concerned about where they would sleep. So he had them walk to a little motel that was nearby and he drove to meet them there. He explained to the manager what he was going to do, and then he paid for them to stay there tonight and tomorrow night. The manager even offered them an extra night for free if they behaved themselves for the next couple of days. 

Caleb went back in to check on them before he left, and they had somehow come up with some alcohol. Of course, that didn't go over well. One of the men told Caleb he was using it because of the large gash on his forehead that was all stitched up. Caleb went back up and told the manager what was going on and offered to go take it away from them. Thankfully, the manager said that wouldn't be necessary. (I owe that manager a hug.) 


Caleb is not shy about his faith and he wanted to know what plans these men have for changing their lives. They mentioned the fact that they are planning to go over to a neighboring town to a church where they can get some long term help. Guess which church and which ministry? As the Lord would have it, it is the same church and ministry Caleb spends every Tuesday morning helping with. He has offered to, with our blessing, give them a ride over there in a few days.


But his day, wasn't finished yet. On his way home, he came upon a vehicle that had had a blow-out so he stopped to help them. Then he passed another vehicle that had pulled off the side of the road, so he stopped to check on them. About that time, a police officer also stopped, so Caleb left the people in the second vehicle in good hands. That was why he was so much later coming home.


In the morning, he and a friend are planning to take some food and two of Caleb's jackets to the motel. 

After he explained all of this to me (Kregg's out of town), I told him that I had a couple of questions and concerns. I suggested that, next time (because I know there will be a next time), he should call us and just explain the situation before proceeding. 

It becomes hard at this point, where the lines between childhood and adulthood become blurred, to make sure we provide proper spiritual covering while still allowing them to grow into ministry. As a mom, it's hard to think about my 18 year old son being in a motel room with two homeless men who are drinking. But, I also know that the Lord has given Caleb a heart of service. And he believes the Lord is leading him into the mission field and ministry. So I must trust the Lord to provide wisdom and protection for him. And I must continue to pray. 


Caleb's reaction to his day was interesting. He used the word surreal to describe it. He actually seemed heavy-hearted. At first, it puzzled me. But now I think I know why. Caleb is truly beginning to realize the cost of being His hands and feet to serve "the least of these." That's a good thing. Too often, we don't really count the cost when we jump into something and so we aren't able to sustain the effort. I believe the Lord is tempering Caleb's heart, preparing it for the "long-haul". I know it will be hard to "watch" at times as he is stretched and poured out. As parents, we must continue to pray.


As parents we must all continue to pray for each of our children. The Lord intends that they serve and glorify Him all the days of their lives. And we need the wisdom to prepare them for lives spent in His service. 


My mother-heart was filled to overflowing when my sweet son came back in to tell me one more thing. The men at the hotel? They want to meet us, his parents. When our children allow themselves to be used by the Lord, it leaves a mark on those they serve.