look around you

Have you ever felt you're "running on automatic"? All too often I think I do that. Do what you have to do next, run down that mental or even written list, do what has to be done or what you always do (plan classes, throw a meal together, go to church...) and forget those higher purposes God has for your life! Today a student came to me, looking anemic and weak, to explain why she is behind in assignments and missed class. Over the weekend she had a miscarriage; she hadn't known she was pregnant. Her parents don't know... "The emotional pain is probably greater than the physical pain". I could not say much because of the place we were in... or was it because I'm a coward? But i gave her more time.
Then later in the day I talked to a friend to whom I am not a very good friend. I haven't called in ages. I knew her mom had cancer and she might have. That and her husband maybe having something, and a dozen other things have turned her life upside down. I listened, I responded, but I did not really have "the right words". Should I visit her? She is not sure she believes in God; am I afraid to say he love her even if she doesn't understand what is happening and I don't either?
I learned that another "friend" is recuperating from a minor intervention. Will I make time to visit her, or will I keep running on automatic?
Help me, help us, to truly LOVE, listen, take time to be with people, listen to God's voice as he calls out through people and situations around me/us!

does anyone care?

A group of us are planning a Christian workshop tomorrow re radio and internet use. 4 people have paid. a few more have said they plan to come. we have no sure number to order meals. We wonder if expenses will be covered. One speaker had to cancel this evening. Sometimes I wonder if this matters, if it is worth it, when so few act interested or make the effort to come. Should we continue? In God's work and even in other areas of service one often hears "even one person helped makes it worth while". Yet to what extent should one ask whether there are other areas where one's efforts would be better spent?
I wonder what speakers think when they work so hard to prepare a presentation and a handful of people show up.
Yes, Scripture teaches us to keep sowing, keep praying, keep plodding. The mustard seeds grow into trees. May the Lord water my mustard seed and those of people who attend and say "I want to do that" (internet evangelism, radio via internet, etc.) and leave more convinced than ever.
Margie