Today marks two weeks that I have been in Texas. The past few days have been very intense and trying of our faith. But yesterday, the day Jeff boarded the plane for home, was the most difficult day.
I started thinking, "I've been away from home this long, what's going on? Costa Rica for a month and a half, Jamaica for 17 days, Puerto Vallarta, mission trips, camps and vacations. I then realized, it's you! All of those trips have at least been with one person I know. Even at the time of the accident, we were surrounded by friends and family. Here, I don't have you, in person.
Right now, I miss the church...all of you. The church is uniquely designed by God for our lives. For my life. For your life. This feeling I feel, makes me know I am alive and passionately in love with Christ and His church. You!
I know now, I am ruined for the ordinary, destroyed for complacency and independence. I have never been a person who easily opens up to people. In fact, the haughty flesh in me used to desire isolation. If I am not careful, it can in a heartbeat. Daily, I have to decide to "open up" and receive from others and give to others. I even find myself guilty of pridefully hoarding my life instead of giving all my cares and concerns to Christ (more about that in another post!).
Your prayers and words of live have been awesome! You see, the secret isn't in our hopes or willing good thoughts, it is in our faith-filled prayers and life-giving words. You have Life inside that has an eternal purpose. The only way it reaches it's destiny is if you release it, speak it.
Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." This sharpening is a rare gift in life. It does not happen unless we get close to one another and we can't miss it until we've experienced it. I miss it.
The words says life and death are in the power of the tongue. It's not just a good phrase or a cool fact. In Texas they call that a sign...use it! I need to use my tongue. I am living proof that others need to not just know how much you love them and God loves them, they need to hear it. It does something to their countenance. It increases their faith.
This week, Pastor Jeff and I have been discussing his message for tomorrow. Our discussions have changed my life. Get ready to have your face blown off...in the best way!
4 comments:
Pastor Mel,
Your post brought a tear. I am thinking of you every day, and you are very much in our prayers. Thank you for your openess, and willingness to share your life. It is so hard to stay at peace when things are so beyond our control.
Hugs
Dawn
Melinda,
I thank you for this post! This proves that the saying, "you never understand what you have until it is gone." Even though you are far from RC and those that love you, we are with you in prayer and spirit.
Tamara
Pastor Melinda,
Your words are so inspiring. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I am so excited for you as you embark in this journey into motherhood. You are the natural mother that God has called you to be. Know that while you're away we hold you in our prayers. Enjoy every minute of God's most precious gift that will soon be delivered to your arms! Take care and see you soon!
Jayelene
... I have been thinking of you as well. I have been working in our Labor and Delivery, and its been fun and tough at the same time.. I know your wait will totally be worth it. I cant wait to see your daughter. Your going to be the best Mom ever!
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