Gifts are such a fun thing. Big or small, cheap or expensive, Christmas, Birthdays, random acts of kindness; everyone likes to receive a gift. I really enjoy giving gifts, small things that I remember people said they like or something I know would cheer them up when they are down (I am my mother’s daughter). But I am finding more and more on this race that it isn’t the gifts that I buy people that effects them the most…it is something else. We learn about love languages. Everyone has a few that make them feel loved, and some, perhaps different, that they are good at to fulfill others languages. I have found on my team that most people just want quality time and encouragement, and they all enjoy getting letters. But giving them gifts isn’t something they really care for so much.
For the past 8 months of this race, each month I have been sick with something. I couldn’t tell you what I was sick with in any of these countries, but at one point during the month I have been down and out. Colds, flu/food poisoning/bad water (could have been anything-I have no idea), reaching complete exhaustion, etc. I have been frustrated each month with getting sick again and have asked God many times if this could be the month I don’t get sick. I thought for sure it was going to be in July…and sure enough, I got sick. Then I thought this month was going to be free of sickness, but the past two days I have been out of it. Despite my frustration, I am finding that God works in pretty cool ways. Because I am sick, it usually gives me time to be completely alone while everyone else goes off to ministry-a blessing in disguise. And too, I find that I seem to hear so clearly from God in those times too. Even though I have such a hard time focusing on my bible or even on praying because I just feel so terrible, God speaks to me.
Yesterday when I laid in bed all day, at least four of my team members came to be before leaving for ministry in the morning asking me how I was doing, and then laying hands on me and praying for me. I can’t really tell you how much that meant to me. To know that someone cares, to have them lay a hand on you and physically touch you, and then to hear them speak to God on your behalf, Amazing, simply amazing. To have them coming to me throughout the day and asking how I am feeling and if I need anything, serving me when there was something I needed or just sitting with me at times. Completely incredible. Sometimes the best gifts you can receive really do come in the smallest packages. And sometimes, you don’t even know you are giving a gift-but in selfless acts and with a servant heart, you bless someone more than you could ever know. Thanks to my team members who severed me so incredibly yesterday.
God’s gifts for us are always exactly what we need.
