Praise the Lord for He is SO good!
A few days ago, I was convinced I was close to breaking point. Our time in Galway has been amazing thus far, Ireland is beautiful and the people are great, but for some reason my spirit has been low for much of the time we’ve been here. I couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness, much of which could be attributed to missing home and realizing that I’ll be in Africa for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
While I was throwing a pity party for myself, God truly rocked my world. Most of the teams have been snuggling up in beds for much of the month, while our team has been camping in the continuous rainy and cold weather. I’m okay with camping; I can go a few days without a shower, leave home with no make-up, and throw my hair in a ponytail…no problem. But, camping in the rain, coupled with the fact that we aren’t able to cook this month and our diet has been less than healthy, which tends to drive me a little crazy, was beginning to wear on me mentally and physically.
I knew what I was signing up for when I committed to the World Race, but I didn’t know that God would constantly whisper “be satisfied”.
I didn’t know that I would wake up in a tent filled with mold, water, and mildewing clothes and listen to God tell me to get over myself. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that God would remind me of Haiti and the fact that my moldy and rainy tent was only for a season, but their tents are where they will reside for many years to come. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that I wouldn’t shower for a week and begin to feel truly disgusted with the dirt and grime on my body, yet God would remind me of the children in Guatchupita. They should have been carelessly playing with bubbles at Vacation Bible School, but instead they chose to clean themselves by dipping their clothes and bodies in the bucket of soap and water. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that food would be placed in front of me and I would think “pizza, again? I’m going to gain so much weight if I keep eating at this rate”. And again, God would remind me of the lady I passed on the street that had no food and was begging for money. At least you have food. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that I would talk to friends back home and, even though I’ve felt a sense of peace since leaving, question whether I made the right decision to leave my life behind for a year. Yet, God would remind me of the joy and sense of purpose that has filled my heart during the past few months. My timing is perfect, even when you don’t understand. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that school would start and I would miss my students so much that it hurts. But, that God would remind me that I’m here for a reason and His ways are much higher than my own. Don’t you see the children around you right now? Show them my love. Pour your heart into them. Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know that I would begin to think about Christmas, my favorite time of year, and realize that I won’t be going to the Old Rock Church with my family on Christmas Eve. Yet, God would remind me of the orphans that I’ve held. You are blessed with a family, isn’t that enough? Be satisfied, Stacey.
I didn’t know I would think about being in Africa on Christmas, yet God would remind me that He is more than a holiday. A reminder that I have the opportunity to spread light and joy in the midst of poverty and destruction in Africa; what better of a place to celebrate a Savior that is much more than any circumstance? Be satisfied, Stacey.
Blessings have come in many shapes, forms, and sizes this month. The shape of a tent that kept me dry much of the month, the form of a woman named Suzanne that opened her home to us so that we are no longer camping, and the size of a pocket Bible that served as a constant reminder of God’s promises. God has continued to remind me of my blessings, even when I fail to have a thankful heart. It’s so easy to get caught up in ourselves. Have you remembered to count your blessings today? 🙂
