October 31, 2019
Today was a day to remember. Thuli, our Shepherd, asked us to make decorations to hang up in the classroom at the carepoint for a ceremony. When we arrived with the decorations, we learned that to hang them up, we had to use chewing gum. Not the traditional way for us to hang things but it worked and we got the classroom decorated.
When we went back outside to play with the kids, we were met with some very grumpy faces. For some reason, almost every kid cried at some point and if they weren’t crying they were throwing rocks or hitting each other. This isn’t like our kids normal personalities and there was just a weird vibe. On top of the kids not having a good day, it rained off and on and it just so happened to be the day we forgot our rain jackets. The ceremony I mentioned earlier didn’t work out the best because a few of the kids that were supposed to be there, didn’t show up.
After a long day, I found myself standing on the playground waiting for the bus to come with about an hour left. I was frustrated and honestly just really tired when I felt a little hand slip into mine. I looked and one of the girls had just walked up and started holding my hand. She is ten and has never really opened up to any of us but for some reason, on this wild day, she just walked up and held my hand. She told me her name and who her sisters were and that was it, we just stood there holding hands. I asked her what she liked to do or if she wanted to play with the other kids and she said she liked to play, but she liked to just watch better.
So we sat, we watched kids run around and felt the rain but it didn’t seem to matter anymore. In what felt like the most overwhelming day, Jesus sent me this sweet girl who knew what my heart needed. I love to just watch the kids play and watch my teammates thrive so trying to find a balance of rest and play can be hard so holding this sweet girls hand watching everyone play was perfect for both of us.
I saw Jesus so clearly on one of my least favorite days. I was tired and if I’m being honest I was grumpy and just over it. He saw me there, and He met me there. He sees us right where we are every single time. He knows what our hearts need and He’s faithful to meet us there. He reminded me of his goodness in bringing rain to a country that needs it. He reminded me of his kindness in Thuli and the way she loves and leads our kids. The biggest thing he reminded me of was just His simple sweetness and the rest His presence brings. I want to be someone that people can find rest when they’re around and the Lord showed me today that I can do that. He’s so sweet and He’s so good. There’s never been a second He’s not with us and He can and will work everything out for good.
Whatever you’re walking through right now, I can assure you Jesus sees you and His goodness is in it. It may look like the worst day ever, but hold on. He’s right there holding your hand and He will use it for good, keep looking for Him.
all my love
abby 🙂
