I’m supposed to be doing something here.
It was more than a thought. It was a nudge, almost physical, like a gentle push on the back of my shoulder, as my husband and I stood in the dining room of the Rescue Mission.
I’d shopped at their thrift store a few times, and referred homeless clients there over the years, but I’d never taken a tour, until Larry, the resident manager, started going to our church and invited us over for a visit.
I’m supposed to be doing something here, kept popping up in my head as Larry showed us around and explained the 90 day program.
Up to 17 men live at the mission at any given time. 
They wake up at 5am to get ready for morning chapel and breakfast.
The men work in the thrift store Tuesday through Saturday, for the first thirty days, after which they can get a job or continue to work in the store. On Mondays, they take care of personal business, like counseling appointments, health care, and job interviews.
Larry told us they hoped to develop a women and children’s program within the next couple of years.
“I’m supposed to be doing something here,” I said out loud. (I’d probably already said it more than once.) Then added, “What do you need in the way of volunteers?”
“Well, need people to lead morning chapel, and also Wednesday evening chapel,” Larry said. He explained that chapel is thirty minutes, and focuses on the love of Jesus Christ.
My husband and I talked it over. Since I’m not a morning person, we arranged to lead Wednesday evening chapel alternating weeks with another couple from our church.
In July, it will be two years since we started volunteering at the mission. We’ve gotten to know some of the men of the mission, their stories, their challenges, and their hopes for the future. Some residents can stay longer than 90 days, if they’re working on goals, and some have become staff. They become like family.
You can read some of their stories here:
http://wilmingtonfavs.com/2014/02/06/men-mission-mr-willie/
In December, seemingly out of the blue, my husband was asked to interview for the position of director of the mission. They needed some one who would oversee both the men’s program and the new women and children’s program. My husband was hired for the position in January. He loves his work and says he had been practicing for years for this job, though he didn’t know this is where he would be.
You might have read about my longing to get back to creating art. Well, the mission is located in a revitalized art and antique district and will be joining in the monthly gallery walk, featuring local artists. We’re calling it “Art at the Mission.” Guess who was the first artist to sign up? I’m happily busy, creating some new pieces to offer and excited at the prospect of bringing more people into the thrift store. Contributing a portion to my earnings to the mission will make it a win-win adventure.
I had no idea that the nudge I felt so clearly almost two years ago, would lead to my husband getting a job he loves and me selling art at the Rescue Mission.
But I believe God had an idea.
I’m wondering: Have you ever felt a nudge? How did it effect your life?
Anything is Possible! 