I am so excited to be writing this blog having completed a full week of ministry here in Costa Rica. It has been an extraordinary week, and there was so much to be grateful for. In that, I’ve had some incredible victories in following Jesus. There have also been some moments of ugly – envy, comparison, bitterness, frustration, impatience, and just plain hurt. Something that a teamie of mine has encouraged us in though, is that even in that, we don’t have to say, “I’m hurt, but God is good,” or “I’m sinning, but Jesus still loves me.” We can choose to say, “I’m hurt, AND God is good,” or “I’m sinning, AND Jesus still loves me.”
For this reason, every realization, every tear, every moment of hurt doesn’t have to shake me. So this week, I want to share both the cloud AND the silver lining.
Sweating profusely all the time AND a running partner who’ll push me
questioning my identity AND realizing how much I’m like Holy Spirit
ministry that puts me on a ladder AND the opportunity to face my fears
crying with Sandy AND cooking/creating with Sandy
losing my things because I can be forgetful AND having them returned
missing precious women at home AND being introduced to two more here
so much to pray for AND time and energy to talk to God
nervousness about all squad month AND making beautiful connections with squadmates
an anxiety ridden ministry AND God lead the way
sunburn AND seeing the results of our labor of love at Playa Azul
the feeling of hopelessness in ATL AND meeting David (update to come)
Job had it rough AND his story is still teaching us today
feeling self-conscious about sweaty-oily-acne face AND God reminding that’s not what defines my beauty
the conviction of Jesus AND the faith He has in our relationship
surprise responsibilities AND getting to really teach again
missing my family AND great conversations with my Mama and Daddy
long distance being the hardest thing ever AND a fiance who shows me Jesus every time we talk
early morning grocery shopping AND a willing and creative partner in crime
my first encounter with the police AND grace from my squadmates
life not always being easy AND Yahweh always being good
As always, please comment/email me what you are grateful for this week! I would like to challenge you also to answer this question: do you have any situations where you could replace the but with AND? I can’t wait to hear from you!!
