God is so good. Amen, right? Through the stress of job hunting and interviews God has been working in amazing ways. I was given the opportunity to fly down to Florida to spend two weeks with my best friend and her family. I'm humbled by the Lord's provision and the Benner's open door, welcoming me for such a long time. I loved being able to reconnect with my beloved sister and get to know her kids, one of which was born while I was in Uganda this past year. Her husband and I have the same personality and sense of humor which also makes for a good time. All in all, I'm blessed.
Living in Florida has it's perks... namely, the beach. We were able to go 3 times to 3 different beaches. We were also able to go to Disney's Animal Kingdom (for free, PTL) which was a blessing because I've never gone to that park and also because the Africa section made my heart leap for joy. It may sound a bit silly, but just walking down the road and through the "village" (modeled after Mombasa, Kenya) and seeing everything written in Swahili brought tears to my eyes. I loved being able to read and understand so much of the language... I also loved how authentic Disney tried to make it. The safari we went on was of course a bit cheesy and the animals don't just roam free, but it felt so good to be in (fake) Africa. I wandered in and out of the shops and saw some of the same type of items I bought buy in the markets in Kampala, although obviously I got a better price over there. It was odd to get so emotional considering I was at a Disney theme park, but with half of my heart still residing across the world I guess it's understandable.
Even though I long to be in Africa, I'm learning to be content with where I'm at right now. I've mentioned many times the fact that I'm sick of not having a job, car, or money. It's more complaining than mentioning, to be honest with you. I've realized that through my complaining I'm not honoring the ways that the Lord is indeed providing. I have not gone a day without food, clothing, or shelter thanks to my friends and family... all of whom I've seen Christ in whether they recognize Him or not. People have made and continue to make selfless sacrifices in providing for me. While it may be embarrassing for me at times, it's how the Church is supposed to work. We're supposed to be holding each other up and encouraging one another. Praise God for family and friends who have done that.
The other day when I was flying home from Florida I had my iPod on and I was listening to some beautiful worship music and trying to process everything God had taught me during my time there. We took off into dark, cloudy skies and the first 10 minutes of the flight were pretty shaky. However, when we broke through the clouds and the sun pierced the plane, all was quiet and calm. A thick blanket of clouds covered the ground below, but the sky above was bright and warm. It was beautiful. Now, I've flown on plenty airplanes to plenty different states and countries. I've flown in great conditions and I've flown in terrible conditions, causing the flight to be rerouted before the wind entirely took control of the plane. I've always loved flying above the clouds, but it wasn't until this past flight that I thought about the fact that every single day has the potential to be sunny. There has never been a day in my life time when the sun has ceased shining. Even when clouds make it impossible to see the sun and feel it's warmth, it's there doing it's job as always.
This isn't shocking, new information to anyone... at least I hope it's not. But it got me thinking about my role in furthering the Kingdom. Being a Christian and fulfilling the Great Commission doesn't include sulking because of what I don't have. It's a lifestyle. So if I'm truly working to further the Kingdom, than this no money, no car, no job thing doesn't matter. I have everything I need to work for God because I have Christ. My prayer for myself and for the Church is that we would ignore what we don't have or what we do have (and what we think we need) and just work. Just keep moving forward and spreading the Gospel no matter where we're at or what we do. If you've got a full time job, good for you. Are you still working to further the Kingdom? If your life is full of different programs and you're insanely busy, are you still taking the time to preach the Gospel? Are you still walking with Christ in spite of what you do and don't have? If you're not working for the Kingdom, what are you working for?
God's Kingdom will be furthered whether I'm involved or not... just like the sun will shine with or without the clouds. I want to live above the clouds, I want to be doing Kingdom work.
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