My parents got back home last night from an amazing 5 day trip to Vizcaino, Mexico. My mom, who usually isn't one to travel very often was so enamored and uplifted by this trip! Which in turn, encouraged the living day lights out of me for my trip to Haiti in February.
We sat around the table this morning as a family, listening to their stories, laughing, crying and just listening to see what else needs to be done.
Mission trips aren't just the trip itself, the ride there, the different orphanages you visit, the buildings you build and so on. It's the in-betweens that make mission trips what they are. It's the conversations in the car, it's the moments you can't help but laugh because someone is having an awkward moment. It's being tired and dirty together, it's being happy and satisfied together. But mostly it's seeing a glimpse of what God can do. And those glimpses of heaven are the sweetest, and most pure when you're tired, dirty, and stinky.
I have to imagine the disciples next to Jesus, tired and worn out from traveling long hours, listening at the foot of Christ for hours, seeing what will happen next. Not much has changed dear friends. In fact, let's draw closer to the feet of Jesus. Some people might say, "I'm not cut out for the traveling, and the not-so-friendly conditions." And to you I say, "IT"S OKAY!" You see I've realized in my own world that we are surrounded by different mission fields. The students I work with who have autism and different forms of A.D.D. These kids are helpless and just searching for some type of help. I've purposed within myself to be there for these kids, to love them, and to aide them as much as I can. They are my love project. God instilled within me a need to travel, to see and experience different cultures, and I've been blessed to see the dynamic power of God. It's not the prepared and rigid servant who is moved, but rather the scared, nervous, frustrated, willing servant who sees beauty in the most unexpected times and places.
I challenge all of you: what is your love project? Is it to love your dad more, to be there for a friend more frequently. Heck is it to be a better listener to your co-worker, or a more understanding parent?
Let's love more frequently friends. Even if we are dirty, tired and stinky while doing it. Thank the Lord that He loves us despite our inadequacies.
Love and Peace,
G
