A famous singer once sang about a poor boy who was empty as a pocket with nothing to lose. I believe I saw people, while serving in a refugee camp on the Macedonia-Serbia border during the last weeks of May, who were empty as a pocket emotionally. On the surface there was a strong, good face but the deeper that you reach into that pocket the more empty you find it to be.
Deep hopelessness - sitting on the border in a camp with all you need to survive physically - food, water, clothes, a place to rest your head - hoping so dearly for the borders just to open so you could move over into 'freedom'. But in reality the other side of the border holds just as much peace as fear. The peace linked to a dream of moving on to greater things being realised and the fear of the total unknown. Unsurity being at the order of the day for many. (Don't we sometimes wait for something to open up - a gap - in fear, expecting peace?)
For some the pocket has a deeper reach than for others.
These people left behind many things which will, unfortunately, never be regained. Family looking to weigh most heavily in the balance.
So what was I able to add? Not an expert of their culture or language, I had mostly just of myself to give (and coffee and tea to serve). BUT what weighed in my favour was that I was filled. I was not empty as a pocket, on the contrary, I was a dam ready to overflow its banks.
(I know we sometimes wonder if we are full and if the Lord is using us but be assured - you are so much more full than what you think. He is able to fill!)
The realization brings me closer to God. A more of a knowing that I can not be empty without Him. That He fills and I live and He gives me what I need to continue, persevere and trust.
So with the usual language barrier communication of smiles and sign language, I was pouring out - mostly without me knowing it. My attempts bringing smiles, nods and sign language communication in return. Through all that was happening I realised that, as the days were passing, I was looking forward to see and meet up with friends again. To see how they are doing and just generally spend time with them. Their reactions upon seeing me again showed me something was being established of what I had little knowledge of then. But in retrospect I realise Jesus was pouring out of Himself through me to the people. What joy!
In the final days visits with friends became more frequent and language barrier conversations longer (thanks to Google translate!). I would really like to visit some of these friends in Europe one day...
I'm still filled and they received some of Jesus through me. I think in a sense this left people more valued, feeling like they are walking with diamonds on the soles of their shoes.