Hey friends!
I just spent 10 days at training camp in Atlanta Georgia and WOW the Holy Spirit was moving. I’m still digesting everything that happened. The idea of taking bucket showers, sleeping in tents, and using porta potties everyday was a little unsettling at first. But let me tell you,
- Bucket showers were great in 90-degree weather. It was a true blessing to be able to cool down.
- My tent quickly became a sanctuary for rest and a place of laughter when we had to share with a squad mate.
- As for the porta potties.. well when you gotta go, you gotta go. You get used to it.
Everything quickly became a routine I got used to. The environment was so encouraging and loving, I didn’t even notice these minor changes.
“What’s the number one reason you’re on the planet?”
This question was asked the first night (or maybe the second…?) of training camp. Immediately I felt it penetrate my heart. It’s been a long time since I’ve thought about the answer. I replayed all the Sunday school responses in my head. To love others, treat others the way you want to be treated, spend eternity in paradise with Jesus.
But the speaker’s answer was exactly what I needed to hear.
TO BE LOVED.
Sometimes I think, “Really? God created me to show how much He radically loves me… ME, Anna Duckstein?? Are you sure?!” At this point I thought about raising my hand and spilling out all my past mistakes. But this sweet sweet truth drove me to a beautiful reminder. If I was created to be loved, so was everyone else.
This truth takes the pressure off feeling like one day (fingers crossed), I can do enough to make it to heaven. I didn’t even realize I was viewing God, myself, and everyone else in this false perspective.
I’m called to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth NOW. To feel loved by God and share that love to others.
So now when I read the Bible, I read it as a love story. A wonderful love story written for you, me, and everyone else. My actions should be driven solely by love, not a set of rules I need to follow. I’ve known this for a while but my heart wasn’t quite matching up with my head until that night.
So at the start of training camp… BAM. God showed me I’m exactly where He wants me to be. I can’t wait to get out there in October and spread the love of Jesus across the world. BUT I know there is a lot of love to be spread here until I leave. Wherever I’m at, Kingdom work can be done.
God is so so good.
Love,
One very thankful daughter
If you would like to hear more details about training camp, please reach out and/or continue to follow along with my blog posts 🙂
