“Each man will be like a shelter from the wind
and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert
and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.”
Isaiah 32:2
On our days off, our whole squad came together for a couple of really cool opportunities: we hiked to the top of Table Mountain (beautiful views) and went to the South Africa vs. Nigeria soccer game (in one of the 2010 World Cup stadiums!). We also shared stories – every team is having such different experiences…
But back in Masi, our days have continued as before. We’ve settled into the rhythm, and we’ve loved getting to know our host better… Fungai is hilarious, and has an incredible story. (Watch Stephanie & Cody’s blog for that, coming soon!)
As I’m typing this during breakfast, I’m munching on a bowl of granola (that I splurged on at the mall, 40 mins away) and milk (we have milk today!). It’s the little things.
Now go re-read that verse at the top again.
My first reaction to that verse was a reminder of how many of my squadmates have been hurt by the men in their lives – fathers, brothers, boyfriends – can you imagine if each man made you feel like you were encountering a stream in a desert? Or shelter from a storm?
I then thought, “I want to be like that.”
You know those people in your life… they refresh you, they re-center you, when you’re with them you have no pretense, and they make you know that you’re worth their time and attention. They remind you of true things you’ve forgotten. You leave them rejuvenated, encouraged, and steady.
They’re like shelter, streams, patches of shade for you.
I’m remembering this thought-provoking talk I once heard at the Bonhoeffer House – it was given by Curt Thompson (author of Anatomy of the Soul).
He said, “What you pay attention to is who you will become.” He also described how our formation always depends on those around us – “What other brains are forming your brain right now?” Basically, be thoughtful. Who do you spend your time around – do you want to be more like them? What do you spend your time doing – does it tell the story you want to tell with your life? You are always growing, so stop and pay attention… who are you becoming?
We’ve been told, time and again, how much this year will change us. Just… how? Because even after only 2 weeks I see how easily I could coast through this year. For 11 months, I could be a passive tourist (albeit with shabby living conditions). I’ll become worn out from playing with kids and all those travel days… but really, I have the comforts I want. I can find internet, I could download any book on my kindle… I’ll have money to splurge on ice cream or American food if I want… I can retreat into the American bubble of my team every day. I don’t have to be changed. I could end each day physically exhausted, but still be in the same place mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
“Hard work is not an option. You can work hard and stay in prison, or you can work hard and be liberated. Which do you want?”
I want to grow. Into someone that can shelter people and refresh them and remind them of what is true.
What’s He going to do, this year? Will He continue to make me into someone like that? Will there be a really intense month, or a period of conflict with my team, or a really powerful encounter during ministry that we’ll walk away from changed? Or will it all be subtle, happening long-term over the course of the year?
If change is going to happen, I do know it’ll take waking up every day and deciding to be intentional: Pay attention. Keep control of my attitude. Do the hard things. Challenge my teammates. Let my teammates challenge me. Seek after things that tell the story I want to tell, and drop things that don’t.
You’ll get to find out with me what happens. 🙂
Who are you becoming?
Funding update: I am already at a mind-blowing 57% of my funds!! But I still need $1,700 to reach my April 1 deadline of $11,000. If you feel so inclined, spread the word by sharing this blog! I also invite you to either give financially or pray with me for provision by that deadline. (Also, I’ve updated the total amount I’ll need to raise – Adventures in Missions has purchased travel insurance for all of us, raising my total to $16,285.) Thank you!!
*apologies if any of Curt Thompson’s quotes aren’t word for word, I haven’t listened back through the lecture to check them!
