JDubs and Working women. Who needs to leave the house?

My Father in Law decided to have a consultant come by today for a visit to talk about ways to reduce his taxes and certain types of financial decisions that might help him. Wayne and I cleaned up the dining room and the kids so they would be comfortable, and I made a lunch so we could all stay outside and keep the noise level down while they talked.

She came in and seemed like such a nice and interesting woman-- very pretty, dressed in business attire and very confident. She spoke warmly about her neighborhood and her family, and then he began to introduce all of us. As he counted the kids' heads and shared a little something about each one of them and me, she listened and said hello. But as soon as she was introduced to me, she said: "Well, bless your heart! I know it's tough, mama, but it will get better soon. Before you know it they will be out of the house and you can relax. I KNOW it's tough. Don't worry, it's not forever. Bless your heart. All these kids running around. My goodness!"
I smiled politely, and said: "Best job in the world." And I meant it. Funny how I don't even have to leave my house to get fed a dose of the world's false ideas about parenting.

Shortly thereafter, we were on the porch and I started to notice a ton of cars pooling around the top of the hill. Out came men, in pairs, wearing suits and ties in the early September heat. I always get a thrill when the missionaries come a knockin', mostly because I LOVE to discuss religion with other people who are as passionate about it as I am.
As they came up my driveway, I understood that they were Jehova's Witnesses from the books they were carrying, so familiar to me from my time with the J-Dubs. It was providential for them that I was out there and not my FIL, nor my husband or his brother who were both home at the time, because they would have loved the opportunity to send them packing. The kids and I said hello and we passed around introductions. I let them give me the "Are you concerned about all of the violence and crime in the world?" opener, and followed along with them as they read to me from Proverbs about where to find wisdom for life. They were impressed that I was able to follow along from my own bible, which was sitting beside me when they walked up. I let them give me the line from their new go-to book about how knowledge of the Scriptures was the answer, and listened to the closer about how they had the answers and would be willing to give me a free bible study to help me learn The Truth.
At that point, I stopped him, and very gently explained that I was absolutely where I felt I was supposed to be, that I wasn't seeking, and that I thanked them so much for taking the time to worry about my soul. I told him that though I had known what he was trying to do, I had let him talk because it was good practice and I hoped he didn't mind. He laughed at that. We talked a little more.

They were AMAZED that I knew about Jehova's Witnesses, respected them, didn't disagree with them in too many areas, and yet didn't want to BE a witness. They asked me to explain further, so I told them that I thank God for my past encounters with Jehova's Witnesses, through whom I had gleaned above all a devotion to the Word of God. It was them who taught me to search the scriptures, and through them I gained such a deep appreciation of scripture. God can use anything and anyone!

I also learned to be set apart from the world-- when I spent time with other Jehova's Witnesses, I was ALWAYS amazed at what a good life they led. Honest, hard working, and full of charity, the people I saw put others first and had a genuine love of scripture study-- their get togethers were so wholesome and enjoyable without any EXTERNAL, anyways, signs of vice or violence. Is there other stuff there? Absolutely. I've heard some firsthand accounts that were just awful about being "inside" the cult of the WatchTower, stories that were devastating.

But ultimately? I can't help but admire the tenacity and righteousness of a people who spend their OWN money to go door to door telling people about the hope they have, only to be met with door slams, lying, and even threats of violence. Nothing deters them from what they consider their holy duty. And why don't we do this? Why don't we go from door to door in pairs sharing the good news? We would do well to watch and learn. If there were Catholic groups doing this, I'd be the first to sign up-- what a blessing to be able to spread the Word from house to house!

When they left, my kids waved them off. Ishod gave them a firm handshake and Annika thanked them for coming to our house to tell us about the God and the Bible. She reminded them to pray for us and promised to pray for them. And they smiled and went on their way. A few minutes later, my brother in law and father in law came out, visibly sad they had missed the opportunity to "shut them down."

But blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!

I thank God for my little encounters this morning, all good reminders to be good and do good, to live my life as a testimony to others for the convictions I have. When these people showed up, I was outside playing with the kids and reading the Bible to them.How cool is that? We were living witnesses of the truth.