Over the past 10 years or so, my best friend & I (and probably a few other people) have had this one conversation over & over again. Or rather, I know I’ve said this over & over again.
I refuse to lift weights, which would make my arms less flabby, because then I will always have to lift weights to keep them that way.
Not the best logic, I realize, but for someone who struggles with motivation, it makes perfect sense. And yes, I realize that makes me quite a bit lazy, but I understand the commitment I would be making & wasn’t there yet.
The last 5 1/2 months (wowzers!) of the Race has been a lot like lifting weights. Living in community, preaching, and taking part in many types of ministry has worked some muscles I didn’t even know I had. It was intimidating looking ahead to the Race & knowing that was coming, but I (mostly) knew what I was signing up for- what I was committing to. I was committing to saying yes when it was and will be uncomfortable.
Because, honestly, saying yes to God can be uncomfortable.
But is it worth it? YES! Do I always feel very enthusiastic about that? Umm, in a word, no. But I do find that when I saw yes to God, He never fails to show up & do something awesome.
This week, during a devotional, we were challenged about our eventual return to America. The talk was mainly about initiation & men being men. BUT, the point was also raised about how when we return home, what is expected of us may not have changed. And I realized how awful that would be. What if I were to spend this whole year growing & changing & being challenged to do more and then have people expect me to act and be like I was before? It would be a waste of this year’s experiences & of the growth that God has brought about in me.
So when I get home, please please please EXPECT MORE of me. If I’m treated the same, I will act the same. If I’m treated like a child, I will act like a child. I’ve learned to want more and to do more and I want that to continue when I get home. I want to serve more, to be less selfish with my time, and to love more. Please, expect it of me. And with God’s help, I will rise to that expectation.
So how can I serve you better? How can I love you better? Though I’m no Arnold Schwarzenegger, I would like to use the muscles God’s been building.
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For all you wonderful people that have been praying over me & supporting me financially, I wanted to let you know that this month has been amazing. Our ministry (in case I haven’t already shared with you) is getting a summer camp ready for the summer. We’ve been limewashing just about every wall, pig stall, and dorm room in sight. (PS Pigs sound like T-Rexs when they squeal & yes, the smell is as bad as you’d think. :-p) Another team has been painting the fence, grates, picnic tables, and anything else that’s black or brown in sight. We are also responsible for assisting the lovely ladies in the kitchen (read setting tables and doing dishes). It’s really cool to be able to see the progress of our work as tasks are completed.
Also- not a part of our ministry for the month- a couple of the girls found a newborn puppy by the dumpster & rescued her. We originally thought she was a boy, so she’s been named Tucker. A group of us have had the pleasure of feeding her (with a bottle donated by a neighbor) and helping her with other bodily functions. I’m learning just how useful & skilled a momma dog is! Tuck, though she’s not technically our ministry, has been one of my favorite parts of the month. The little whimpers and frustrated noises (when she can’t get what she wants) are so precious & have stolen my heart. (Check Facebook for pictures.)
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Fundraising update! My final deadline is coming up faster than I thought (JULY 1st), but by the grace of God & your generosity, I’m getting so close! First of all, thank you so much to all of you that have so generously given. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kindness! I’m just shy of $3,700 away from being fully funded. If you feel led to donate (tax deductible), just click on the top OR the link on the left that says “Support Me” (or something like that). I love you guys so much!
