The privilege to walk alone and Thoughts on ministry

I walked alone off the ship for the first time today in more than four months.  It was a glorious (and a bit scary!?) 10 minutes of freedom.  Normally it is unsafe - for girls especially - to go anywhere by yourself here in the Caribbean; we have to go in pairs or large groups.  But in this port we are allowed to go out alone on the main road during daylight.  =D

Here is a thought-provoking quote I read today:

"Ministry isn't about telling people what you think their problem is, or putting them in what you think is their place.  Ministry is making room in  your life -- and in your heart -- for people.

Many people have done a lot of talking at me, and a lot of them had some really good points.  Didn't matter.  I was only ever deeply changed by those who called me part of their family, despite the inconvenience, despite what anyone thought."  --http://www.boundless.org

Ministry is caring about people.  The lost in a third world country, supporters back home, your family, the homeless, a hurting friend... it makes no difference.  If you take time to invest in them and encourage them, that is ministry.  Life is about relationships.  In the end, that's all that will matter.  Don't let it pass you by.