I love rain. The smell in the air. The sound of a good rain hitting the roof and windows. However, when you work for a homeless shelter, you begin to look at weather in a different way. While I love rain and don't mind the occasional drenching, to be in the elements because I had to be, because I had nowhere to find shelter, that would probably cause me to look at rain in a rather negative way. I guess I can say that I have looked at rain "from both sides." And now I can look at the rain and be very grateful. First, because with this heat and the drought in which Michigan seems caught, everyone is grateful for these signs of the abundance from heaven. Second, I am thankful that, because of gifts from our fellow Rescuers, we can offer shelter to men, women, and children who are homeless and have nowhere else to go.
For some time, "shelter" has also been seen in a negative way. However, the word as it is defined refers to a haven. A place of refuge and comfort. That is what we have the opportunity to provide for our guests. A haven. A place of refuge and comfort. Where they are given more than a temporary relief from their physical needs. They are given a sense of hope, a realization that they are loved. Not a shallow, human type of love, but the kind of love that would lay down life itself for their eternal well being. The love found in John 3:16. Thank you for your gifts to those in need. And thank you for allowing us to let people see "shelter" from both sides.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16