We attended the Willow Creek Summit Leadership Conference this weekend and one of the sessions touched on how change is good and a necessary part of life. The speaker mentioned “bright spots” as being the slight glimmers that lead to implementing change. Bright spots are the proof we are capable of solving our problems and then are able to really change. However, a slight different meaning came to mind as I began to think about our time here in Bulgaria over the past month. What would I consider to be the bright spots?
Sure, Bulgaria was chalked full of good times and memories I’ll always cherish – tree painting and planting, gorgeous scenic drives, a traditional wedding, foosball tournaments, Bulgarian Thanksgiving and birthday celebration, intense poker games, encouraging team worship nights, The Office episodes, home-cooked dinners and powerful church services. Our accommodations were across the board and equally as unforgettable – a theology school, cozy hostile, and magazine-worthy apartment, to mention a few. Yet, I wouldn’t consider any of this to be the true bright spots of Bulgaria. God has kingdom on his mind and is just itching to be able to entrust me with His plans. What have I been doing to honor Him in that?
I began thinking about the relationships I’ve formed with several Bulgarian youth, all of whom God specifically orchestrated for me to meet and share His love. Every one of these instances has been a direct result of me actually listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and urging to initiate the conversation. Pretty much every time, it’s a battle. Do I take that step forward and let God do His thing through me, even when I’m not in the mood, afraid of the person‘s response, or just plain lazy? These relationships are a result of my choice to say yes and to act in faith and confidence that my Lord will take over. The words “more of you and less of me” have started to come to life this month. I know it’s not of myself to initiate conversation with two college-aged girls, Gery and Nadia, while they were in the midst of an ecology project in Starbucks. I know it’s not of myself to meet 12 year-old Maria at a playground and then spend a couple of hours shooting basketball at the nearby court. I know it’s not of myself to hang out at the local high school and wait for classes to get out for the day, only to strike up a conversation with Lily, Monica and Elaina. These searching, “too cool for school” teenagers so need the Lord. God is in pursuit of every one of these girls – Gery, Nadia, Maria, Lily, Monica, and Elaina – and He just might want to use me as a vessel to get their attention.
I desperately want to experience more of these glimpses of Christ in me each and every day. I want to feel, see, hear, and know the Holy Almighty God I humbly serve! I want to proclaim His great name boldly to every person I encounter. Lord, may the vision of you be the death of me. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
