This week I was blessed to teach at the high school girls retreat for my own church. We are staying at Camp Eagle in Rock Springs, TX. And yes, I finally got Internet after 2 whole days! My blogger mind was beginning to worry about that....
One of the biggest blessings is that my children have been able to accompany me on this trip. Yesterday, during our free time, we decided to take a little hike. Well, it seems to be our tradition that when they are with mom, we get lost! Seriously, we got lost twice on the way here Monday :) At any rate, we took off for our little adventure for 3 and ended up on a nearly 3 hour hike, most of which was uphill (to my daughter's dismay!). After an hour and fifty minutes, we reached the top of the mountain and what they refer to as "the alter". There was a stone alter there with three crosses, replicating the place where Jesus Christ died for each of us. There was also cell reception...
Now, I wish I could say that I spent time taking in that space and really drinking in the impact, but the truth is quite different. Upon taking a couple of pictures, my phone began to beep and buzz signifying that the outside world was in desperate need of my attention. I immediately began to shoot texts to my husband to let him know we were safe (and did, indeed, finally make it) and then I checked all the incoming texts and emails. The beauty that was before me in that significant place began to fade as I was overcome by distraction....
After a few moments a large youth group came up for a service project and we began to find our way down the mountain with no guide and no map. We fumbled along, took a few wrong turns, and I even had to carry my weary 11 year old at several points. We ran out of water and had no snacks. We were, in fact, ill-equipped for the task.
This morning, as I sat in my quiet time re-thinking the events of yesterday, I was shown a truth. You see, the way up to the mountain was steep and tiresome, but we knew where we were headed. There was a clear path (complete with arrows) and we kept telling each other the top would soon be revealed. Once we reached the glorious bounty of our efforts, with it's beautiful view and significant scenery, I allowed distraction to take over. Because of this, we had no clear plan as we descended the mountain and the trials became a bit more frustrating. My trust was gone and my faith had been placed on the back burner.
How many times do I do this in life? I dare say daily, in my case. I wake up with the best of intentions, spend quiet time with my Father, then life just gets in the way.... This has happened lately as I embark on the new adventures God has called me to. I must trust that He alone will touch hearts, for it is my job to simply obey and write as He says. I must trust that He alone will provide for these trips planned to Africa and Moldova, for it is my job to simply obey.
The glorious thing about losing my way is that I serve a faithful God. One Who never changes and is always there in my darkest hour and my most glorious light. He had the way planned from the beginning and He simply calls me to follow. We did get back to camp yesterday. About the time my daughter was giving out from weariness (she had not fueled properly for a 3 hour hike!) and my nerves were about to be set on edge, right when we thought we must still have at least another hour....my son says, "Oh look, there's the camp". Simple as that. God knew it was there as we struggled along the rocky paths. He never kept it hidden, nor did He blind our eyes from it. He does the same for me in all aspects of life. Right when I think there may not be hope, that the funds will not come, that the timing will not work out, He smiles at me softly and says "Oh look, THERE it is".
If you are feeling stuck on your way today, I encourage you to rest in His Word and know that He cares enough to show you, if only we will set aside our distractions long enough to see.
But seek first the His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
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