Sometimes I look up and think, “I need to write a blog.” Not only do I need to write one, but I desire to do so. But then I try to think of what it would be about, what it would say. And I come up empty. I think back over the previous days’ activities, thoughts, and emotions and I honestly can think of nothing that seems substantial enough to tell you. You see, the World Race is just like life back home – a series of moments that build into events that provoke various thoughts and emotions that are quickly replaced by the next series of moments which tends to cause me to forget the things prior and come up with the phrases, “It was fine.” “It was great!” when asked how the day/week has been for me. Do you sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of life and forget the seemingly tiny ways God showed Himself to you throughout the day? I know I did when I was back home in the States, and I continue to do so now.
I wonder what would happen if we intentionally sought Jesus in every single moment of every single second of every single minute of every single hour of every single day of every single week, month, and year. I wonder how different our memories and retellings of days gone by would be if we literally took our eyes off of ourselves, people around us, and/or our circumstances and placed them on the One who ordained them all in the first place. Maybe my recollection of today, which is Tuesday, September 8, 2015, would look a little something like this:
6:13am – God was so gracious and merciful that He allowed me to open my eyes this morning to see a day that was not promised to me. He enabled my limbs to move about as my mind instructed them to do so. And my ears, they heard the lull of the air conditioner and fan that kept me from perspiring too much as I slept.
8:25am – God gave me the opportunity to spend time with Papagn (Filipino name for grandpa) as the two of us ate breakfast. My heart and mind have been concerned about the wellbeing of my own grandfather and the lack of contact I’ve had with him this year. But this morning my Abba encouraged my Papagn to take some time to share parts of his story with me and to simply “be” with me. Through Papagn’s story I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Life is precious. Be sure to make time for those who mean the most to you.”
9:10am – On the way to a drug rehabilitation center I got to know a fellow missionary named Darryl who hails from TX. He told us about how he used to be a drug addict, how he and his wife had 3 miscarriages but God allowed them to be parents at 2 different orphanages, and how they came to be missionaries here in Siem Reap almost 3 months ago. The Holy Spirit reminded me that God is sovereign and no matter the mistakes I make His plans will come to fruition, and His name will be glorified.
11:30am – I returned to Eli International School where we’re serving this month and the students gave me the warmest welcome. Several of them came running up to me screaming my name and showering me with hugs and kisses as they asked where I had been for the first part of the day. In that moment I felt SO much genuine, unconditional love, and my heart burst with joy as I imagined how much greater God’s love for me is. One child in particular gave me 4 hugs in a matter of about 10 minutes, and the last time he said, “Teacher Shonda, you’re so cuddly, just like my mom. And you’re nice like her, too.” That particular child is not even in the class I teach in so that showed me that eyes are always watching, and my eyes should be fixed on Christ so that my life is a true representation of His character.
12:15pm – After lunch I sat down with one of our hosts’ children and listened to his heart. He cares so deeply for my team and me that he broke down in tears because he wanted to share lunch with us, but was not allowed to do so for various reasons. As I type this now, I am wondering, “How much more does God desire time with me? How many tears has He shed over my selfishness?”
All of that was just in the first ½ of the day. I’m so thankful that I sat down to try to come up with something to tell you because in doing so God has told me something. “The only thing that is mundane is the thing you refuse to see Me in, or that you block Me out of.”
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*Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me spiritually, emotionally, and financially. As you know, this mission journey costs $16,277 total, $11,000 of which must be raised and in my fundraising account by the end of September. I need an additional $1,600 to reach the deadline. If you are able to do so, I would be ever so grateful if you’d make a financial donation by clicking the Support Me tab above, in addition to your prayers and encouraging words. Thank you in advance!
