extremely tangible ways this month.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Primary Example: Arvin.
My little Filipino buddy.
He is one of those kids that goes a mile a minute.
Just six years old.
One of six children.
Third youngest sibling.
Born & raised in the Philippines.
I’m one of his many new aunties.
His siblings and friends often call me “Tita Emily.”
My heart cries out for Arvin. He exudes JOY. He beams with
excitement.
The first time I met Arvin was on the street in front of the
YMC building where the majority of the squad has been staying this month. Moments before meeting Arvin, I had
been having a conversation about the Lord’s affection for his children.
Questioning to myself, “How does the Lord show me He loves
me?”
“What would it feel like to receive a hug from God? Is that even
possible?”
The answers to my questions came much quicker than I had
intended and in quite unexpected ways.
Arvin came running up… and when he runs – he runs. Nothing was going to stop him… he was on
a mission. He jumped into my arms
and embraced me. HE DIDN’T LET GO
FOR at least 15 minutes. No, I’m not kidding.
Lord. You see, Arvin rarely utters
a word. He shows most of his love
through touch. Arvin is teaching
me that love is not something that you can only show verbally
Lord, why would you let a super cool kid named, Arvin, from
the Philippines, teach me about the way you hold me? You don’t ever let go… do
you?
I know I crawl in and out of the your arms. I don’t want to
do that anymore…
Lord, I desire for my heart to be content and resting in
your arms everyday.
“I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the
palms of my hands.”
-Isaiah 49:
15-16
This was only the beginning of what the Lord would teach me
through Arvin.
I was sitting on the porch at the YMC a few days later. Once
again, pondering. I was beginning
to write in my journal and wanted to let God know I was sorry for disappointing
him… pretty much, I was giving myself no grace.
You guessed it, moments later, Arvin walks up… by the way,
if you didn’t catch it the first time… he’s six. HE JUST DOES HIS OWN THING…
it’s pretty awesome!
With an emphasis on the kid is “pretty awesome!”
He immediately starts coloring in my journal. Trying to
distract me. The Lord obviously told him that I was lamenting. As I continue to
write and refuse to give up my self- pity mode, Arvin goes and hides behind a wall
beside me. Quickly covering his face. He starts peeking through his hands (head
hung low)… then once again the Lord spoke to me through a little guy that
rarely makes a sound.
I’m still trying to figure out how that works.
Lord through Arvin’s expression: ” Emily, quit apologizing
to me… know you’re sorry already. I have forgiven you. You don’t have to be ashamed. Be strong and rest in my LOVE. Give it up. Stop it.Every time you do this to yourself it breaks my heart.”
Me: Okay, Lord.
I get it… I get it. (Arvin
lifts his head… kisses my cheek and goes on his merry way!)
Lord to me: Well, Emily, now that you get it… live your life
embraced by my perfect love everyday.
That was only lesson two. The list of lessons through Arvin this month have been
endless… definitely all encounters have been divine appointments.
Seriously, I don’t want to be selfish but I know this little
guy has something
HUGE TO SAY.
Maybe it will never be through his words… I don’t know. God only knows
His will for Arvin’s life. It’s
been a blessing to watch Arvin gaze with curiosity about world around him. He
is so in tune with what is going on in his community & his family. God is so perfect, He knew I needed to
receive these many simple lessons about HIS LOVE & HIS GRACE through a
child that rarely speaks. That way, I have no way of arguing back
or questioning the little guy.
“My soul clings to You; your right hand upholds me.” – Psalm
63:8
A piece of part of my heart is here now.
I’m not finished.
This must only be the beginning.
There is still work to be done for your Kingdom in the
Philippines…
Still children that do not know you, Lord.
Still families that hunger to know your word.
Still a plentiful harvest to reap.I crumble when Arvin cries. I believe Arvin is aware that there is a real battle for
hearts taking place right before his eyes. His and mine included. My heart aches that I don’t
understand my place in Arvin’s life.
Why this season, Lord? Is it just for a season? It’s really
hard to grasp.
I can’t figure it all out.
Father, I ask you would literally open the door for this child to be
prayed for.
