One of the coolest part of being a follower of Christ is when you read something from the Bible and then see it reflect in your day. Today that happened to me! I rarely feel inspired to write blogs, but I am feeling called to share my heart right now.
This morning I read Psalm 1 as apart of my devo plan and underlined these verses:
“Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
The Lord has given me fruits that prosper when I am connected to Him. I don’t normally offer them to the world out of fear of rejection or judgement. My devotional made the comparison of a farmer at a market. What if a farmer never offered up his fruit? The world would never know how good a strawberry tastes or how watermelon pairs perfectly with a hot summers day. So today, I decided to offer up my fruit with a heart that was joined with Jesus.
Every month, I volunteer with an organization called Students Tackle Abusive Relationships. A handful of students go to a local women’s shelter to play with the kids that live there. Tonight, I noticed an older girl sitting by herself. She didn’t speak much English, so our interactions were by playing Tic Tac Toe and comparing jewelry. She started playing group games and I became distracted by a little girl and became distant with the girl I was with before. I looked up and saw her sitting all alone with sad eyes. As soon as I sat down, streams of tears started running down her face. She wouldn’t talk or acknowledge my presence. I slipped her a note of encouragement, desperate to show her that someone cares, she is seen and known and loved. After reading my note, she gave me a hug and held on tight. I felt content. I felt purpose. I felt like I was prospering. The Lord had used my gift of empathy to comfort a beautiful young girl. When I was leaving, she ran over and gave me one of the many necklaces she was wearing, and I felt the Lord standing right in between us.
I get so caught up in the thrills of World Race. I get excited about traveling so young. I can’t wait to get tattoos and piercings when I’m away. I desire deep friendships with people on route 6. These things often cloud my true intentions. I am doing this because God has given me a heart that breaks at hurt in the world and joined with Him I can prosper and truly change lives. Tonight made me excited to spread love and empathy for not only next year, but for the rest of my life.
I hope everyone reflects on a question I have spent all day thinking about: What fruit have you seen him yield in the recent days?
Everyone has a gift and a heart that is given to them by God. Praying that everyone finds their fruit and joins with Jesus to make life a more beautiful experience.
With so much love,
Sydney <3
