We, as Americans tend to think we have it all figured out- like our way is the best way. Or maybe we don’t have that mindset- maybe we are just comfortable. This way works, so will stick to it unless problems arise. It is all about our comfort isn’t it? We have a steady job- comfort. We have a place to lay our head- comfort. We have food to put in our mouths- comfort. I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist. Have you ever stopped to think that it’s not all about us? yeah, I have too, but it’s hard to get out of that selfish mindset until you see how it’s done first hand.
From a young age, we have been taught to compromise, to listen to the other side, to put ourselves in the shoes of others, and that our way isn’t always right. But we tend to only think that way in conversations/ relationships. Well what about life? What about in your family? What about in business?
Here, at Totara Springs, the Christian camp we are volunteering for, life is different. This is the furthest thing from a high stress environment. Everyone is fun-loving, laid back and encouraging. It is a law in New Zealand to have a tea break in the morning and one on the afternoon. So essentially, they work for a couple of hours, have a tea break; work a couple more hours, have lunch; work some more, have a tea break, then close out the day by working a little more. Being so inquisitive as I am, I asked a girl on summer staff why the breaks were needed. She explained that since the staff is mainly all spread out and busy doing their own work, tea is a time that brings everyone together. This definitely promotes staff unity. You may be wondering how they get anything accomplished with so many breaks- that just might be your “fast pace, gotta get everything done in certain time frame” attitude. Everyone works hard and takes care of their business with a joyful spirit. I think we can learn a lot from their example. 🙂
We were privileged enough to be able to join the staff meeting this past week. It is refreshing to sit in on a meeting truly facilitated by the Lord. The meeting started with prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord, a devotional was given, and then some business was discussed. To end the meeting we wrote praises and prayer requests on a white board, to which everything written directly affected the camp. Nothing said was self-centered in any way. It was apparent that the struggles of one, were the struggles of all. We closed in prayer by splitting up in groups of 4, lifting everything up to the Lord. To some this may sound pretty standard, but it wasn’t about what was discussed, but how it was carried out. There was no time frame. No rush. No animosity. I felt loved and encouraged just by walking in the door.
Its saddening to think that we are so uptight. That we think the world revolves around us getting out stuff done. We just need to take a deeeeeeeep breath. Our schedule shouldn’t be more important than influencing and encouraging the people around us.
