Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:9-12
-------------------------------------------------------
"Does Anybody hear Her? Does Anybody see or does anybody even know She's going down today. Under the shadow of our steeple with all the lost and lonely people searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me".
-Casting Crowns
As I reflect on this summer the only thing that I can think about is being overwhelmed with joy. I came to Colorado thinking that I would be on a "vacation" and could avoid all of the issues that I would face when I got back. It is funny how God works in ways that we as humans cannot explain.
This past summer I have worked at a day camp in Estes Park, Colorado and have been completely broken with God's love (not a bad thing). I had envisioned this experience to be about how I could hide as an individual and now am fully aware of God's presence in my life. While in Colorado, I faced a lot of adversity working with kids who were mostly on scholarships and had very little income. Most of these kids were beautifully misbehaved ;) and had no real discipline in their lives. At first I was extremely frustrated with the behavior of the kids but my heart quickly changed as I learned about their home-life. I have had kids who have been abused and neglected, parents with drug addictions, and the 3rd grade child who had to raise her baby brother. I never expected these situations to come up and I feel as if God has placed me here for a reason.
I came into the summer without a clue what was in store and how God would provide. I am beginning to wake up and realize that my talents and gifts are being used daily for his glory. I cannot wait to begin football and school so I can continue to grow as a person and a professional. I preached on Hope today (specifically Romans 5:3-5). In Romans it says, ...rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. I think about this verse daily and how it is so reassuring to know there is hope in the world. It is the same hope that gives me strength to wake up and do God's will. I know that God's purpose is far greater than any kind of evil or sin I will face personally or with future clients. I am so blessed to be alive and to be given the gift to "search for the hope that's tucked away in you and me"
JDub
No comments:
Post a Comment