Don’t Miss Out.
Its nearly been 5 months since I’ve shared with you.
I’ve sat down and stared at a blank computer screen many times – I just cant seem to find the words.
But God’s really been putting these words on my heart:
DON’T SHUT DOWN.
With the countdown almost to single digits, coming home has been on my mind a lot. ?I know ‘home’ means; homecoming, celebrations, opportunities to catch up, opportunities to share God’s incredible works… and questions.
The one question that will be the easiest for me to answer has been one of the hardest lessons I have learned in all 11 months.
What was the hardest part?
Travel days? No.
Living situations? No.
Missing family/friends? No.
Holidays? No.
Community living? No.
Without a doubt- the hardest part of my race has been the goodbyes at the end of every month.
But this month, God spoke to me clearly – Do not shut down or you will miss out.
After Month 10 (Thailand), I was finished. I was closed off. I shut down.
After driving through the night after two flights, we finally arrived to our new host home for our very last month. Two native Texans came to the door with the biggest smiles I had ever seen at 4am. They welcomed us into their cozy, warm home with open arms and clean sheets. The little devil on my shoulder was whispering, “Don’t do it, Erin. They seem sweet but you’re setting yourself up for another hard goodbye.”
The next few days as they were getting to know us, I avoided a lot of conversation and just let everyone else speak. But as conversations started coming up about Thailand, I broke. I found myself fighting back tears at our Monday morning prayer meeting.
I was hurting. And I realized instead of taking that pain to the Lord, the Ultimate Healer, I had just tried to shove it aside, and ignore it. I realized I was hardening my heart. I realized I was putting up walls to keep new relationships out.
Memories of all 10 hard goodbyes flooded my mind. I don’t think I can handle another one, Lord.
God calls us to love His people.
John 13:34-35 says, “so now i am giving you a new commandment: love each other. just as i have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
The Bible doesn’t say “love each other when it’s convenient”.
The Bible doesn’t say “love each other when it’s painless”.
The Bible doesn’t say “love each other only if it’s rewarding”.
God calls us to love. No matter the circumstances.
The second I recognized that I had been closing off to the people around me, God whispered, “You say you are here to serve? Serve through the love I’ve given you.”
Even if it hurts. Even if you don’t think you can handle it.
Always keep your heart open to God’s plans, divine interventions, and opportunities.
God will always, always, give you the strength if you’re seeking Him.
By not shutting down, I have made great new friends. I have shared my testimony. I have had amazing conversations about God’s work and transformation in my life.
I have been able to share just how loving and merciful our God is.
After all, it’s because of His love on the cross that I have had the opportunities to meet so many amazing individuals that make leaving so hard.
Whatever you’re facing today; hurt, anger, depression – allow God to work in that.
Allow Him to move in your relationships, friendships, workplace, home, studies, etc.
Just don’t shut down because you may miss something great.
Matthew 24:12-14
Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that ll nations will hear it.”
