Working with another team can be difficult. Living with seven people is hard enough but then throwing in an extra seven people into one room.. literally one room, left me a bit apprehensive.
(still not good at posting pics on the blog.. check out pics on facebook to see the room)
Our one room= a living room, which turned into the girl’s bedroom was then connected to the kitchen with a bathroom on the side.. poor boys had to sleep outside.. though I found that a hammock is quite comfortable.
This was a tight living space but worked unbelievably well.
After a week together we realized that our two teams really did have a way of mirroring the other. Both teams, 6.33 and Braveheart, have very strong personalities, a boldness and honesty mixed with energy and laughter that takes over any room. My first thought was that the two combined would just struggle to over take the other ending in an unpleasant collision.. (im generally a prepare for the worst/hope for the best type girl) Instead our two teams acted as a mirror reflecting strengths and weaknesses, calling out areas where growth was needed and allowing us to see our individual contribution to the team.
I am generally passionate, outgoing, loud, fun loving and opinionated. I learned this month the importance of owning those traits and how to manage them so that I do not over power others and can help to create a safe environment for those around me. Being bold in speaking honesty is good.. but I must do it with love as the motivation (1 Corth, 13). Because I am passionate and dive into things with full force I have found that meditating on “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19) has been beneficial. To often I will jump into conversations that might not even concern me with thoughts and opinions not thinking of how it will affect others. ((Shout out to Miss Sheri Funk and Danny Weiss for helping me to learn to take a step back))
Sometimes when looking into the mirror its easier to ignore the faults and focus on the things we like in the reflection.. other times its complete opposite and we magnify the imperfections. The beauty of community is calling out greatness you see in those around you; Reflecting Gods love and his glory in those around you.
Thomas, I believe you have a true servant’s heart, eager to help in any situation and always putting others before yourself.
Laura, you have wonderful stories 🙂 you paint beautiful pictures of Gods love and I admire your ability to elaborate in such detail.
Samson, you are a man that fears the Lord, constantly asking for more and rejoicing in all times, understanding all circumstances are from God.
Cindy, I love your heart for others and your willingness to pursue. You took extra effort to hear my heart and made it clear how God loves me.
Sheri, your energy is lovely. When you are on your force cannot be stopped, with Gods heart as your motivation others cannot help but feel his love.
Caitlin, you are loyal, you have a beautiful heart and a gift for working with children and I am so thankful to have lead VBS with you.
Danny, You are strong! And God is who renews your strength. You bring joy to the room and carry a light wherever you go. Thank you for being a wonderful example of self control and discipline.
Team Braveheart.. Thank you for the cereal dates, driving lessons, night runs, times at the beach, picking up trash, movie nights and long rides with little personal space.
I am grateful for our time together. For your honesty and love. For your willingness to work through the tough stuff and the way we could learn together and learn by observing each other in day to day interactions whether through ministry or fellowship.
