As I meet and hear stories from missionaries throughout these past six months, I find myself looking back on my life and see where I received the Lord’s direction. I look back and see moments where I had a strong sense of direction, audible words and a time frame when I was to depart.
To highlight here is a story from my trip to Hawaii in 2013:
I was walking down Anini Beach when someone hollered, “ Hey do you want to eat supper with us?” I looked up the bank of the beach and saw a long haired, older and tan gentleman. As I looked at him I began having my reservations and uncertainties. I didn’t know his intentions and to be truthful I wanted a quite evening to myself.
However despite what I thought and wanted, I decided to seize the opportunity and be spontaneous. I arrived and there were a number of people invited. We all shared a similar look of a traveler, hippie and beach bum look. The good sense of the word. Sandy, wet hair, salty sweat, flip flop kind of look.
As I sat down, ate and chatted I felt a warm sense of community.
It turns out that I ended up spending the rest of my time on Kaua’i with two of the gentlemen at the dinner; Ron and Taylor. I have unforgettable and incredible experiences with them both.
This is where I liken it to hearing God’s voice. There are things that the Lord wants us to seize and experience. Just as I audibly heard Taylor’s invitation, God has the capacity to speak to us in this way.
I have not audibly heard the Lord’s voice however I have had strong feelings and pressing thoughts to do things. Some of which I may or may have not wanted to do.
Just as my Hawaii experience could have been a lonely, individualistic and very different if I had not gone to supper. It is the same with our own lives with hearing and following the Lord.
With joy,
Clare
