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After prayer I opened my email, coffee in front of me. As I scrolled down the mail in my Inbox I started the morning delete ritual. I opened the MSN email and the first headline was about the baby formula shortage. I clicked on it and while reading the words I thought about all the desperate mothers out there scrambling to find formula for their baby. Some recent events that normally would have brought joy, hope, and celebration have left a heaviness on my heart because of circumstances out of my control. I miss my husband’s presence beside me more this spring than I ever have and the headlines the news brought didn’t help. They were gloom and doom, and included information I deem not anybody’s business. I need God more than ever on this leg of my journey.

The Upper Room took me to Luke 10:1-12 and I read about Jesus sending out the seventy-two. I read slowly, watching for a nugget or two I could glean. I believe what you pick up is based entirely on your location and things you need to hear. This morning’s readings were no different, I was able to pick up a few nuggets to safely store in my vault.

“Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” – Luke 10:3

“Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. – Luke 10:8

“But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless, know this, that kingdom of God has come near.’” – Luke 10:10-11

After reading the suggested scripture, my eyes moved over to the footnotes where I learned that Luke is the only gospel that records Jesus sending disciples ahead of him on His way to Jerusalem. I considered the implication and thought about the disciples of today. They too are being sent out in front of Jesus, they too are often not welcomed. They too encounter wolves.

Last night I encountered a wave of sadness and I had to rush past several people before the leak turned into a flood. I made it to where I thought I would be safe and encountered a woman seated on a motorized wheelchair. I’ve known her since my school days and she always sports a smile. We exchanged the things we have in common while fighting back tears of loss. She offered me a hug and I took it, leaving a tear on her shoulder. Her faith was apparent and as we parted ways I invited her to come sit with me in church. I was able to plant a seed before I left, and a tear landed on it that will hopefully help it to sprout.