At the beginning of the month our squad leaders, Crystal and Justin, came and visited AO1 in Sombor. Justin brought this book with him. On the way to Budapest, at like 6am, Justin had out team leader, Alexis, read some of it. I was half asleep and didn’t quite understand what she was reading. I am not a morning person. Justin left his book at our ministry sight when he and Crystal went to the next team.
I found it. I picked it up and began to read it. The wisdom that pours out of this book is astounding. God new I would need to hear what Bother Lawrence had to say about life and how to live it.
The first of anything is a struggle. The first month of the World race is no different. It’s all new and different. Nothing is normal or routine. This crazy ministry thing I’m trying to do is anywhere near my normal. Adjusting to new people and their habits and well as adjusting to a new culture, has thrown me threw a loop. These are uncharted waters for me.
Keeping God at the forefront of everything I do, is my goal for this year. With everything that has been happing, that goal got pushed back. I’m struggling to put my self last and God first. I was told once that to live well you need to put God first, then others, and then yourself. I have not fully lived up to that. Reading this book that was left behind reminded me to put God first.
Bother Lawrence was a monk in France in the 1600’s. He is known for his conversation with God. The book is a collection of conversation with brother Lawrence and letters written by him. The book as whole has great wisdom about how to communicate with God, how to live a God-like life, and the love He has for us. The quote that stroke me the most, the one I’ll remember forever; “That he (brother Lawrence) had always been governed by LOVE, with out selfish views; and that having resolved to make the LOVE of GOD the ENDof all his ACTION. “ That is my goal for this year. To keep God’s love at the forefront of my mind, letting His love for people guide what I decide.
By the way the book is called The Practice of the Presence of God
