Serving WHERE it’s most difficult…
This month in Romania has been a blessing. We are AT HOME in many ways. After three months in Africa, the last two of which were particularly different from how we are accustomed to living, we are now in a cabin with running, hot water (well, most of the time – – contingent on the integrity of the frozen, weak pipes!), a washing machine and dryer, a sink, shower, couches and tables. I had such a sweet feeling of “home” the first night here when I laid down in my bed and fell asleep to the sound of the gentle and rhythmic tumbling of the dryer. It was the first time I had heard that sound in five and a half months.
So…you may be asking…why is THIS “most difficult” when it comes to serving? Well, it is the very fact that there are all these comforts that makes it easy to fall into idle mode. Additionally, because of all the snow and cold weather, many of the outdoor projects that were planned for our team have been put on hold…so, a lot of our ministry this month is pouring into each other – our World Race family – and serving in the day-to-day needs that arise within our “home”. This COMFORTABLE, HOME, FAMILY setting is often the most challenging environment in which to have a servant’s heart…do I hear an AMEN?! It is a daily choice to be the one to get up to do the dishes, clean the bathroom, start a conversation when it would be easier to just retreat into your own thoughts or pastime, or join someone in an activity they want to do when you would rather continue the activity you were involved with.
Community and servant hood – with God and the people he gives us to love – are choices…
…What choice will I make today? What choice will you make today?
Serving WHEN it’s most difficult…
It’s halftime! That’s right…five and a half months this week marks the half-way point of our World Race journey. These past months have gone by so quickly and have been so GOOD…but at the same time five more months seems so l-o-n-g. Some of the novelty of being in another country, serving, and living in community wears off and I’m left with just…
…me living life,
…me waking up each morning to make choices about how I will live today,
…me choosing whether I will take time to invest in my relationship with the Lord,
…me deciding if I want to embrace change or just stay the same,
…me deciding if I will love and consider my teammates and hosts over myself
…I don’t make the best choice every day, but I'm striving.
I love the journey, but I also miss home. I miss my family and friends very, very much! I miss my church. I miss the ministries I was a part of and loved. I miss sitting in a coffee shop and reading. But, I am so thankful for this season on the Race where God is teaching me so much, chiseling off some rough edges, mending some broken parts, and opening my eyes to his world and his heart.
These next five months will be good for me…novelty worn off. It is good preparation for home and possibly one of the most valuable seasons of the Race relative to the personal journey…because THIS IS real life…making daily choices…
“…choose today whom you will serve” – Joshua 24:15
