we have been helping with their training this week but just for fun today i went back and started from the beginning of this blog skimming it and laughing at the things i thought and said at the beginning of this experience, a year and a half ago. i know between now and the end i will laugh at the things i'm saying now but i think it was good for humility and perspective. i can also say, thank you God that we never really stop growing up. that we keep on maturing and changing as we go. i'm so glad that i have stuck with this blog because i think we will treasure these stories in the years to come and next chapters of our lives. it's strange to think that as my mom says, "this too shall pass". that just like elementary school feels like a distant dream, so will this moment one day.
today, while training the newbies, i was refreshed and recharged. re-motivated to keep fighting the good fight and do the things with a willing and joyful spirit that God has sent us here to do. it's crazy how easy i can loose focus on something that would seem so clear. that's just part of it, i guess. you've just got to know when to get yourself back on track.
some of my favorite topics so far:
- "war against the mosquitoes" - not really
- "intolerance is caused by a lack of humility" - i have never thought about it like that but it is so true and God really does hate a prideful spirit, good reminder
- "bottling things up is about as harmless as an active volcano" - just one of those memorable pearls from david
- "be in prayer about the reason God put you here and don't be slow to live it out" - we skyped eric and jessica in and this was their suggestion. it was another good reminder for me to stay focused on God's will and Jesus' mission and besides that keep my head clear.
last saturday, we had the oldies over for breakfast and one last hurrah as a group before the dynamic changed. we took the newbies on a walking tour of scandicci and then did a cookout and movie at the bible school.
i'm starting to get nostalgic right now and i don't know why. i do know that jesus loves us immensely and we are supposed to love others that much and i do a sucky job of it most days. because that love means:
"love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. be good friends who love deeply; practice second fiddle. don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. be alert servants of the master, cheerfully expectant. don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. help needy christians; be inventive in hospitality. bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. if you've got it in you, get along with everybody. don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'i'll do the judging,' says God. 'i'll take care of it.' our scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. your generosity will surprise him with goodness. don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."
romans 12:9-21 the message
and i also know that:
"this is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other."
john 13:35 the message
reenergize yourself and your mission. be in prayer that you will be reminded why God has put you in a certain place and don't be slow to live it out.
practice jesus love. that's how people will know.
have a marvelous week. -laura
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