The last few months, I’ve been learning a lot about expectations. Along with expectations, there’s flexibility. A word that often scares people and that we don’t usually handle in the most pleasant ways. Flexibility means we aren’t in control and that something has changed…and it’s usually not us, and meaning that we need to refocus and put our ways aside.
So, here I am in month 3, still adjusting to being flexible. I don’t usually have a problem with it, as I’m all up for surprises…but this is different. This is how our ministry has been. This is daily living.
Today was no exception. We went to our ministry at the Tree of Life and did a Children’s Program…what a morning and a blessing. Tomorrow is our last day there, doing the kids and adult church services and saying our good-byes. We were then told about a ministry opportunity at an orphanage later that evening. At first, my reaction was “so much for me having time to myself,” but I was also excited for a new opportunity and experience. More kids – who can complain!
Once there, we didn’t stop. We were sweating and dancing and singing and loving and hugging and laughing and whatever else we could do to entertain children. I helped out with some crazy songs…some that are familiar camp songs, and others that we had no idea what we were singing or doing, but we found ourselves smiling and laughing. After music was going to be a movie, but they asked for an on the sport volunteer from our team to do a “why I love Jesus” testimony. (see previous blog Jesus Loves Me). Before I knew what was happening, I was standing on the stage sharing my heart with about 100 kids that I had just met. Flexibility. Being willing to do whatever, whenever and being OKAY with it. Not complaining. Just doing it! Letting God be God and putting our ways aside!
Needless to say, flexibility is worth it in the end…but it’s in the heat of the moment that we find ourselves frustrated and getting worked up over something that really doesn’t matter. Something that really makes all the difference at the end of the day. My heart was changed. I was touched. I got attached to a few kids that I’ll probably never see again – but God showed up. He always does
