My team and I served our last two weeks in Honduras in Santa Rosa, Copan at the Legacy of Hope foster home for abandoned children. The warm home is magically packed with 12 kids, 6 of which are below the age of 1, under the supervision of the fearless Spanglers and their staff.
The first week, each of us shadowed a staff member, learning what their busy jobs entailed. The lists of their duties was demanding, but after observing them for a few days, it was obvious to see their greatest priority was simply loving the children. I’m convinced this is what made all the madness somehow work.
My team and I took over the staffs jobs for the second week, so they could take a well deserved break. We quickly learned that looking after 12 children required serious team-work…and was also a great form of birth control! By the end of our time there, we were all masters at changing diapers, feeding, burping, bathing, clothing, rocking, and entertaining the babies. Each child had their own unique way of stealing our hearts and gave me an even deeper understanding for the crazy love God has for us, his children.
It took 15 month old Ashlyn almost the full 2 weeks to warm up to us, but when she finally did, it was such sweet success. She was the definition of a daddy’s girl and feisty as all get up when he wasn’t giving her his undivided attention, but that little rascal gave amazing hugs. She was actually a lot like a sour patch kid. This we have in common, I’m told. She was sour at first, fighting with the other babies, likely stealing their bottles or toys. Then she would flash her cute smile and puppy dog face to try and sneak her way out of getting in trouble. Which may have worked on me a time or 12…
Ashlyn also loveeeeed to eat. Her nickname around the house was “tank” because she would eat anything you put in front of her and would eat all day if we would let her. Yet another commonality! Every day, one of us would find Ashlyn outside eating the dogs’ food. And each time, we would tell her no and pick her up and take her back in the house. It was near impossible to get mad at her adorable self, but it was frustrating knowing that if she only waited a little while longer, there was delicious food being prepared for her.
It sparked me to think about how many times in my own life that I’ve reached for the dog food because of being impatient and searching a quick way to satisfy my needs. Time and time again, I’ve turned to partying and unhealthy relationships. The easy solution. These things all made me feel great in the moment, but always left me feeling shameful, dissatisfied, and wanting more.
Since joining the World Race, I’ve intentionally been perusing an intimate relationship with God for the first time in my life. It’s already been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done or experienced. He’s given me a small taste of the gourmet meal that He has waiting for me and it’s full of so much more joy and fulfillment than any of those other things could ever give me.
Are there areas in your life where you’re choosing dog food instead of seeking God’s will and waiting patiently for him to provide the buffet of blessings he wants in your life?
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, who’s waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:11
