This past week has been a big one as several friends from college, including my roommate, have embarked on summer of service projects overseas to serve and glorify the Lord God Almighty. I am also sharing joy from afar as Camp Geneva, where I was a counselor last summer, welcomes returning and new staff for their summer season of camp. Along with this are my many friends who have given up much to serve in a variety of camp locations, the plethora of weddings that are coming together, and those pouring into kids as nannies this summer.
All this to say I have been wrestling a bit lately with the seemingly, to me, mundane schedule of 40 hour work weeks among non-Christians, online classes, and early bedtimes compared to the service, adventure, and experience my friends are having from said summer plans. Yet through this slight insecurity and longing for something more the Lord has reminded me in countless ways that this is exactly what I need and where I am supposed to be.
Serving and glorifying him does not require traveling to Africa, being surrounded by campers every hour of every day, or even being a nanny for a few cute suburban kids. Yes, I have full assurance that my friends on these paths are using these opportunities to bless God immensely but this is not the season of life I am in right now. Remember when I expressed how much I needed this summer as a Sabbath? The Lord is using this time for preparation of my heart and I must trust that even though life may not be flashy and exciting right now, there is a time and a season for everything. This excites me because I know that while at home my role is to uplift and encourage those in these positions. It meant so much to me last summer as a counselor and in Guatemala when those from near and afar were supporting me with what they had even though they weren't right there next to me. I firmly believe it is now my turn to assume this role at least for this season of life...to be content with where I am at, faithful in prayer and encouragement, and dedicated to ministering to the community I am apart of, whether that be work, church, friends, or even my own family.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not from men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." -Colossians 3:23-24
Thank you Lord for perseverance and clarity of faith. You alone are my rock and in you I put my trust. Help me to be a faithful steward of the resources and time you have given me in this season of life and may it work all to your glory. Amen.Labels: blessings, College, friendship, God, Guatemala, heart, home, missions, Nanny, prayer, Summer, travel
