“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Have you heard the saying that “even the best laid plans will go wrong”? I retired from the State of Nebraska eleven years ago this month and I still remember that several co-workers and a few friends from Church asked what my future plans were? My retirement was early as I had not reached the magic age that our North American culture tells us is the correct time, but it was the right time for me.
I have never heard of anybody in Haiti ever retiring; never saw a Haitian social security card, no Medicare. When the men and women in Haiti reach an age where they can no longer put food into their bodies or provide for themselves, they go to live with relatives and die; thankfully, that was not my plan. The attached photo is of some of the children and teachers at the Lutheran school at Bongnol which is located in the Artibonite District. These children are the reason that I volunteer my labors for Trinity HOPE and help feed them while they learn about Jesus Christ.
As long as my feeble fingers can create a daily devotion that will help to feed 52,000 children in Haiti; that is what I will do. What are your plans for retirement? Have you given any thought to helping feed children in Haiti when you retire or even before you pick that date? These kids need you and your talents. Imagine how many could be touched by your life or by your legacy when it is your time to leave this world and receive you Glory. I was listening to Amy Grant on Alexa recently sing ‘I can only imagine’ and the words placed thoughts into my mind about what the future will bring.
“I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine; I can only imagine. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Halelluja, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine; I can only imagine. I can only imagine when that day comes and I find myself standing in the Son. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you. I can only imagine; I can only imagine. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Halelluja, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine; yeah I can only imagine.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay