We are in month 8 and by now have figured out things often don’t go the way you’d expect. Even travel plans get changed last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. My team was trying to get to Baku early to work with a contact and instead of hopping the train we booked, we rented a bus for the whole squad and journeyed together towards Baku. This meant we were not able to work with our contact and the whole squad arrived a few days early after a week of traveling. You heard me right…A WEEK! 71 hrs on a bus, a night in an apartment to rest, and 4 days on a boat crossing the Caspian Sea.
Many people were not thrilled with our week of travels but I love being interruptible and letting G-d move in the midst of our “plans” for He has been showing me a lot lately and this travel experience was no different.
As we were boarding the boat, I was standing in line with everyone else waiting to go up the stairs to the main deck from the loading deck. Did I mention this was no ordinary boat but a freight ferry? As I was standing there with my big pack, day pack, guitar, and snack bag I actually didn’t have any thoughts about not being able to take the stairs under the load I was carrying. If anything I would have made two trips rather than one to be able to carry everything. Yet, my TL comes running up to me and says let me carry your big pack. I was seriously wondering why they asked because from what I saw I would have been ok to do it myself. However, I have tried to take people up on their offers to help even if I don’t think I need it out of respect for their request because previously this year consistently denying others help led to some miscommunication issues. So I said yes and tackled the stairs with their assistance.
When we got to the top of the stairs and to our housing area, I thanked my TL for being such a great servant leader. I also found out with their previous ship knowledge and experience getting up the stairs, they had the foresight enough to think it might be difficult for me considering the combined narrowness and steepness of the stairs. Hence them running back down to help me. It was a much needed tangible moment of love demonstrated as they considered what it was like to walk in my shoes for a moment.
This act of service also provided to me a picture of G-d’s love. He always sees the big picture and knows when we are entering into a difficult situation or season. Yet He runs ahead to prepare the way and provide help before we know we even need it. How many difficult seasons go by without us realizing He was there the whole time. G-d moves in our midst even when we fail to acknowledge Him. For me, I had no inkling the stairs would be hard but G-d provided help through a friend. If I had refused help then it would have been much more difficult. How cool is it G-d took care of the need before an awareness of the need existed?
A simple act touched my life in a profound way and initiated what was to be a great time of recharging with the Lord as we floated across the Caspian Sea. There was time to press in with Him as well as intentionally spend time with others in conversation, joy, laughter, worship, movies, games, painting, etc. The wind, waves, and beautiful sunsets made great connection points as well. It reminded me somewhat of being on the Galilee back in 2015 reflecting on the storm Jesus once calmed as the disciples freaked out.
Anyway, we did finally arrive in Baku and I’m grateful for the object lessons G-d provides when I stay in tune to His heart.
The help will come,” said Trufflehunter. “I stand by Aslan. Have patience, like us beasts. The help will come. It may be even now at the door. -C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian
By the way, if you feel led to help me reach fully funded status, please click the orange donate button 🙂
