Ministry in month 2 was pretty relaxed and fun! (I’ve been trying to write this blog since the middle of September). We worked with Flacara Închinarii, and the church family was amazing. Sundays would be filled with worship, translation of messages, and food. We typically were with one of the families from the church.
One particular Sunday we went to Panini, which is a chicken restaurant, with a couple of families from church. We found an area where we could all sit together. Once we all got our food and drinks it all started to break down for one of the young girls with us. She realized that her brother had gotten lemonade while she only had kiwi juice. She saw that others had potato wedges instead of fries like hers. Then when some of us tried to remedy the situation by sharing our splitting with her it wasn’t any better. The comparison then came between portion sizes…once again we tried to make it as fair as possible. At one point it was apparent that nothing would make it better and her mom and her just went to go have a talk outside the restaurant. Now I just need to clarify that these parents were so loving, and this little girl can also be so generous and loving, but for length sake I’m only going to share this one situation. 🙂
During all of this I just kept thinking of how selfish all of us are as humans. I’m going to share a tidbit of honesty that I know not everyone will agree with, but we have been so blessed this world race. Our team in particular has always been thoroughly provided for. I know God says He will supply all our needs, but we don’t always trust Him for that.
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
There have been interruptions and hardships. I mean we had lice, chicken pox, some form of flu, and sinus issues during all squad month. This month we have experienced death and many needs that don’t appear as though they are being met.
Part of the struggle in all of this for me is still selfishness. God does not want us to act out of selfishness.
“Whence come wars and whence come fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your pleasures that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and covet, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; ye have not, because ye ask not.”
James 4:1?-?2 ASV
Sometimes flesh kicks in and I just want things the way I want them, when I want them, and how I want them.
A story that shows a Christ like example of selflessness happened recently in month 3. This month has not been as laid back with 8-9 hour shifts, 5-6 days a week. My first day of volunteering I encountered a young girl. She only knew the word, “hello” in English. Basically we just smiled at each other and made up some sort of clapping game. Eventually she ran off to play with some of the other kids. Later, I was helping guard a gate at camp. The one where all the middle school boys are. One of them took my water bottle and the dumped the water out. This same little girl saw this, and she came and asked if it had been my water. I told her it was then we played our clapping game again and she ran off. A short while later she came back with a new bottle of water. She handed it to me. Families only have a certain number of water bottles they get each day. I was very caught off guard by how selfless she was even in her circumstance.
The thing I’m most selfish about and want accountability on…actually, I don’t want it, but I need it ?
– Selfishness in service: I can see the things that need to be done, but don’t share, or try to help those that want to be able to see
– Selfishness in expectations: I expect people just to know things that I may think of as common sense
– Selfishness in correction: I really dislike being corrected, even when I know I need it
…so maybe I need grace and patience in addition to accountability for selfishness.
A new song I’ve found is below, and it’s a song I wouldn’t want to sing, because no one likes storms that much, but it will be my prayer for the rest of the race.
Storm by Jeremy Camp
We have known, the greatness of Your power
And we have seen, too much to turn back now
We have sung, countless songs about You
But now, we want more than just a song
[Verse 2]
Rushing wind, usher in Your presence
Heaven’s rain, push away all fear
Mercy flow, breaking over my heart again
How we need more of You
[Chorus]
Come like a storm
Come like a crashing wave
Oceans will roar
As we lift high Your name
Come like a storm
Come like a storm
Come like a storm
As we lift high Your name
