Month one of the race is officially over. One full month of loving and living in South Africa. A month full of more growth and learning than I could have ever imagined. Learning how to navigate living in a house with 41 people and 2 bathrooms (it’s possible), how to be vulnerable with those around me and more importantly with the Father, and how to integrate into a culture while figuring out how to live away from home at the same time. This month has taught me many things, and the Holy Spirit speaks life into me and opens my eyes to the true goodness of the Lord each and every day.
Of all of the things I’ve learned through reading, digging trenches, washing dishes, picking up rocks, varnishing brick walls, sweeping classroom floors, and genuinely loving each person I come into contact with to show them more of Jesus, the one thing that stands out to me most is the importance of worship.
Yes, coming together to play music and sing songs is a BEAUTIFUL way to glorify the Father, but I’m learning that there is so much more beyond that. Even though our ministry this past month felt slow and mundane at times, the Spirit has been showing me that I can worship and praise him even when life is slow and still. There is so much beauty that can be found in stillness, so I’ve been learning to take those simple moments, not just the fun and exciting ones, to the Father and give him praise and glory for them.
Waking up each morning with a grateful heart and living each day rejoicing the Father in everything he does is showing me that worship is more than a moment. It’s whatever you want it to be. It’s a way of living. Letting the Father hold your heart and show you how he sees the world opens a door for you to worship and praise him in every single moment. And that is the most beautiful thing I’ve learned this past month, and I pray that it never leaves me for the days to come.
