To Persevere: to persist in a state, enterprise or undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition or discouragement. (Mirriam-Webster dictionary).
Why is it getting so easy to have a sense of entitlement and to just coast through this last two months? I have been preferring and honoring and feed-backing others and I have been serving, building and helping ministries for 10 months now, can’t I just get a break? (I shake my head and laugh as I write this…have I learned anything on this Race?)
Maybe it is because I am really tired.
Maybe it is because I really miss home and am excited to get there.
Maybe it is because Satan wants to rob whatever God has in store for the next 45-ish days.
To Love: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another Unconditionally: not conditioned or limited (synonyms: all-out, complete, clean, perfect, unadulterated, simple)
Why is it so easy to love children in poverty? I can be having the worst day, but as soon as that dirty, beautiful energetic child is in my arms…I forget about my “issues.”
Maybe it is because they love me so easily, without condition.
Maybe it is because I am so attracted to their joy despite their circumstances.
Maybe it is because the Lord blesses the poor in spirit…for theirs is the kingdom.
So how do these two topics come together? Well, my prayer for this month has been about perseverance. It has been super hard to get back into the swing of things after a month of new teams, then a week of rest and fun while waiting for the new year festivities to die down. I found it quite difficult to enter Cambodia—which is even hotter than Thailand by the way—with a lot of energy and excitement. You can just ask my team how interactive and pleasant I was to be around the first few days.
But in the midst of that I felt the Lord calling me to persevere. I can see the finish line and that should motivate me to push harder, not give up and walk the rest of the way. And then we started official ministry on Sunday…
Hello energy and excitement and love!
sweet little troublemaker
Pure joy
The Lord certainly placed me in the right ministry at the right time. We not only get to wash kids hair, sing songs with them, teach English, teach the Bible, visit their homes and play with them….but we also get to teach them how to dance! We have only been out to the slums three days and I feel so rejuvenated and excited about what God is doing here. I have instantly fell in love with these kids and again have been reminded of the Father’s unconditional love for me.
I think maybe I just hit that part in the race where I feel like I can go forever? Runner’s high, is it?
I understand it will be difficult at times and that this month may not be all rainbows and butterflies, but I do remember coming on this adventure to get uncomfortable. And it has been in those uncomfortable places that the Lord has given me the unconditional love I need to persevere.
….and so I press on!
