The race is such a raw, beautiful, fierce thing.
We sign up, we leave, and we come expecting the unexpected to happen.
We live out of two bags moving from country to country in hopes that lives are changed because of Jesus.
We surrender our lives to Him, trusting that He will renew our hearts and our souls will be cleansed and made new.
I came on the race thinking every day would be filled from morning to night with biblical miracles and major eye opening situations.
For a while I struggled feeling as though we were being an importance here, sometimes finishing ministry at noon and having the rest of the day to roam.
But it wasn’t until last week when it really hit me.
School ends, and therefore that ministry ends.
But that doesn’t mean that ministry in itself has to end.
Last week we went to the lake and as everyone was doing their own thing I decided to sit by the water on some steps and read my bible overlooking God’s greatness.
I sat, crying out to God to bring something amazing to this race, to make me go to sleep feeling like I did something life changing.
That’s when I saw her.
A very old, very small, but very beautiful beggar lady with no shoes carrying around a bundle or trash walked by.
On the right of me there were three trash cans and she proceeded to tip them over and her whole body went inside as she digged for something.
The stray dogs were trying to do the same along with her, and soon enough she came out with an empty soda can, and tossed it in her bag and moved along.
As I watched her, that’s when I knew God had not only heard my cry, but answered it.
Bring life and hope to the people around you.
Being life changing doesn’t mean I make a blind person see again, or lead someone to Jesus everyday.
It’s ministering to the people around me, in my community, helping them in the smallest but most meaningful ways.
This past week I was given the opportunity to help a sweet couple paint their new location for their bakery.
Some of my teammates and I went over, grabbed some brushes, and painted away.
When we had finished, they offered us some muffins and kept thanking us for helping them paint their home.
My heart was filled with joy because of their joy.
My eyes were finally opened.
It doesn’t matter what my ministry is or how long it lasts.
Ministry needs to be done with a welcoming and open heart, and with that there will be joy.
I’m not saying every day will be a joyous occasion, but I am saying that if we go through life expecting the major things and slipping away the smaller things, we will never be content.
My prayer was that my eyes would be opened and that something amazing would happen.
Once He opened my eyes I realized that amazing things have been happening every single day here, just in their own way.
Thank you, Jesus, for letting me see this race from your view, and letting me these people as you see them, Lord. Thank you.
