(no subject)
I've been feeling spoiled by God lately. And yes, I use that term often--perhaps too liberally? But it really is...as if I'm dancing, laughing and rejoicing in the goodness of my God to me--
Though I do miss my friends in RO, my dear friends and the dear young people who I worked with, I am now being filled to overflowing with joy in the relationships that I have here. And yes, it has been so good to see my family (I had another short weekend with nieces and nephews a couple of days ago!), but there's been more than even that: I feel right back at home with my church family, and even with some old friends (even former students) with whom I had not expected to renew acquaintances. Mrs. Green, my high school Spanish teacher, called me back after I left a message on her machine--and we talked for over an hour just catching up on news and encouraging one another. She is precious. And then there's Joy, a former student who I ran into at a volleyball game--she's involved in worship in her church and just loves the Lord, is following hard after Him. Love it. I could go on...
Before I left for RO, I had become somewhat discouraged because of the lack of commitment in Christian circles--obviously that is a general statement, and it does not apply to everyone I knew. But I certainly saw a lot of compromise and Christians who were preoccupied with material, superficial, worldly concerns.
Since my return, I've seen a marked difference. Is it just my perspective? My own ability to find the serious people and to position myself to see what I want to see? I don't think so--at least, not categorically. There does seem to be an urgency that was lacking, an awareness...
So Lord God, I thank You for the chance to be home, now, when Your people are waking up. There's so much to thank You for--where do I start? Thank You for turning up the pressure, even, so that we get our priorities straight, so that we look to You and only to You. Thank You for accomplishing Your purposes in the earth, and for using us to do so...thank You for this opportunity: to be a part of what You're doing. Help us to hear You, Lord...we want to be sensitive to Your Spirit and follow where you lead. So lead on, Lord Jesus.
Though I do miss my friends in RO, my dear friends and the dear young people who I worked with, I am now being filled to overflowing with joy in the relationships that I have here. And yes, it has been so good to see my family (I had another short weekend with nieces and nephews a couple of days ago!), but there's been more than even that: I feel right back at home with my church family, and even with some old friends (even former students) with whom I had not expected to renew acquaintances. Mrs. Green, my high school Spanish teacher, called me back after I left a message on her machine--and we talked for over an hour just catching up on news and encouraging one another. She is precious. And then there's Joy, a former student who I ran into at a volleyball game--she's involved in worship in her church and just loves the Lord, is following hard after Him. Love it. I could go on...
Before I left for RO, I had become somewhat discouraged because of the lack of commitment in Christian circles--obviously that is a general statement, and it does not apply to everyone I knew. But I certainly saw a lot of compromise and Christians who were preoccupied with material, superficial, worldly concerns.
Since my return, I've seen a marked difference. Is it just my perspective? My own ability to find the serious people and to position myself to see what I want to see? I don't think so--at least, not categorically. There does seem to be an urgency that was lacking, an awareness...
So Lord God, I thank You for the chance to be home, now, when Your people are waking up. There's so much to thank You for--where do I start? Thank You for turning up the pressure, even, so that we get our priorities straight, so that we look to You and only to You. Thank You for accomplishing Your purposes in the earth, and for using us to do so...thank You for this opportunity: to be a part of what You're doing. Help us to hear You, Lord...we want to be sensitive to Your Spirit and follow where you lead. So lead on, Lord Jesus.