“No man is an island, entire of itself” – John Donne
I find it interesting to look back and see those who sneak in and out of our lives as merely acquaintances, those we connect with who become family even if there is no biological evidence, and those God places in your life for a season who impact your life in a profound way.
As a sat with friends this evening over a Mexican-ish supper we discussed journeys of life. Reflecting on 28 years of life I can point out several significant relationships that helped shape my walk with God, and for those I am deeply grateful.
Growing up I have fond memories of Grandpa reading aloud from the Bible every single morning with his brown mug full of sugar with coffee. As a child I hated those forced King James Version readings but now I cherish the life of prayer and devotion to God that Grandpa exhibited.
I have been blessed with amazing church families and friends throughout the seasons and years of life, each one unique but still the perfect fit. From a youth group that challenged us to fast and pray instead of just party to pastors that have taken me in as part of their family, from friends that always invoke laughter and crazy stories to recount later to those deep, lasting friendships that even when separated for years can be picked up without seeming to miss a beat – I can see the hand of God in each of these places.
I also thank God daily for my parents. They have been understanding and trusting of both me and God long before I set off globe-trotting. We’ve had our rocky spots like any relationship, but I am honored to call such amazing people mom and dad. My parents are two of the most giving people I know and you don’t remain a stranger long in their presence. Mom and I look alike, sound alike and have this scary way of finishing each other’s sentences and have the same quirky humor.
A couple of days ago dad had surgery, and I was feeling pretty miserable being on the other side of the world. We don’t always see eye to eye and he usually aggravates me to the point of frustrated anger; however, there is no doubt that I am a daddy’s girl. He is proof in my life that God’s love is stronger than a bond of blood and there is no one I would rather have to call Dad. It made me happy today to hear that all is well, the cancer has been removed and he has managed to gain the favor of the entire nursing staff at the hospital (no surprise there).
It also opened up a window of opportunity here. As I walked along with a student the other night she asked how my day went and I confessed to cleaning much of the day to take my mind off of my absence. She then shared with me that her own father passed away earlier this year. He had stage four cancer when they diagnosed it and he refused treatments. She smiled a sad smile to hold back the tears, but it was obvious to me that she is still hurt deeply. We talked a bit before finally moving to brighter subjects but I was honored that she would share with me a bit of her sadness. Later she wrote me a message saying that she greatly enjoys hanging out with me and hopes to do so again soon.
Relationships… it seems that is what it always comes back to. The people that have so greatly impacted my life are those that took the time to know me, the good and the bad, and love past it all with a love that could only come from God. I am thankful for those people and recognize that I now have the opportunity here in Ukraine – to love students, where they are, good, bad, messy and all. (But first I need to come home and arrange to make it more long term here).
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts.
And we are never the same”
