What Is That Smell?

After a long day of running around the airport finding flight arrivals and baggage claims, the team members all arrived safely. I was exhausted before even getting in the van for the nearly two hour drive back to the base in the afternoon. Wow, am I excited, though. We had some time to just hang out, play cards, and just generally begin to get to know one another before digging in to dinner.

After an awesome time of worship [through song] we spent some time as teams–our Kenya team and a Swaziland team–sharing how we got here. The stories and peeks into their lives are already shedding major light. They range from ages eighteen to twenty-three, and come from various levels of spiritual maturity. I know that some will be easier for me to just click with while others will be a greater challenge. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty, though. I know God will give me the tools I need to tap into these students if I am willing to ask for it. That doesn’t mean it will be easy whatsoever, but I know it will be worthwhile if I am in his will.

This morning I felt the presence of the Lord all over this place. During my quiet time I couldn’t stop praising him. I was reading in 2 Corinthians 3 and listening to worship music on my iPod to drowned out the people chatting and wandering throughout the room. The song None but Jesus* by Hillsong came on. The words are pretty basic, but so powerful and exactly what I would want as a reminder as I start this journey. In the scriptures I was reading it was talking about how the letter (law) kills, but the Spirit gives life. I was challenged to search my heart and see that I am “doing” things based out of the Spirit’s activity in my heart, not a need to abide by rules or expectations.

I am not naive to think we won’t face challenges in the next few months. Already, I can see the potential for issues arising. I trust that this is where I am meant to be, though. I do not have to wonder whether this is what God wants for my life in this season. I know without a doubt that I will be changed and molded into someone that reflects Jesus even more if I am able to submit to the Lord daily. Please keep that in your prayers. It is so hard to recognize my need to submit daily.