.Someday Jesus is going to turn me into a morning person. Today doesn’t feel like that day.
Its 5:00 am and the sun isn’t quiet up yet. The air is crisp and the crow of roosters sound through the air. I’m in Draganesti-Olt, Romania.
We make our way down the street to meet Pastor Ana at the church. I’ve only spent a few days with her and can already tell I love the way she goes out into the world and meets people exactly where they’re at. She’s a shining example of being the hands and feet of Christ. She sees a need and doesn’t sit back and wait to do something about it-she sets things in motion. She builds relationships and those relationships transform lives. Her actions speak equally as loud as her words.
Within moments we are trekking down a long dirt road, not exactly sure where we’re heading. Eventually we meet up with Doro and Nella. Such a beautiful couple. In their 60’s, we worked happily alongside them. Our assignment today: harvest corn. A hilarious task for the only 2 city girls on a squad of 50+, but our hearts are more than willing. I decided long ago, that none of this is about me. Big or small, God I’ll do what you ask of me. Big or small, I know He is on the move.
As the rays of sun beamed down, we worked together going up and down the rows of corn, tossing piles in the middle of the field every 20 or so feet. We couldn’t understand what Doro and Nella were saying but we could tell what was radiating out of their hearts. There was so much joy. There was so much laughter. The way they spoke and looked at each other with overwhelming respect and affection.
Their laughter was contagious. I laughed at jokes I didn’t even understand. “Blonida, blondia” they called me. Nella’s eye’s sparkled. There was nothing quite like her smile.
After clearing out one large section, they insist we take a break and here we are, a circle of new-found friends sitting in the middle of the field. They bring out tomatoes. Goat cheese. Fresh bread. We eat. We laugh. We love. God is undoubtedly here.
And once again, God shows up and shows me how He can use all things for His glory.
Mounds of golden corn continue to piled up around us and in an instant, God shows me that so much more than harvesting corn is going on here. The seeds of salvation have been planted here. They’ve been watered. Now, we’re on the verge of harvesting souls.
Yepp God, you’re pretty cool. Only you can take something as silly and seemingly insignificant as shucking corn and turn it into something for Your glory.
A great harvest is coming. I wouldn’t change this moment for the world. If this is what comes out of a 5:00 am wake up call, maybe I’ll be a morning person in no time after all. Jesus, you are the best.
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. – John 13:35
