Life is a classroom

So, I’m wrapping up 3 months in Swaziland, Africa. I wanted to share some of the lessons I’ve learned or been reminded of during my practicum. The slower pace of Africa has forced me to rest and to contemplate more and I’m grateful for this season and what the Lord’s teaching me. Praying these resonate with you and encourage you! 

• You serve God best in the little things and the day-to-day “yes”es. It doesn’t need to be glamorous, just obedient. 

• I am a leader. I’m equipped and qualified and I carry influence. God can use me. 

• Adaptability and Flexibility are key in life and you can always grow in them. Live with hands open and plans held loosely.

• I am the will of God. Christ in me. Continue to seek and abide in God and He’ll show me what to do. As Andrew Shearman says, “Love God and do what you want.”

• Solitude is good. Isolation is not. Finding the balance between those two is important. 

• God’s plan is so much wilder and yet simpler than mine. Trust in Him and just go with it. 

• It’s pretty amazing how Jesus expands my family through beautiful friends I get to do life with in each season. 

• Vulnerability and honesty open up doors and lines of communication and break down barriers. To create a safe place, you must be a safe place and be willing to open up. 

• Ministry is not always cut and dry. Serving the people in front of you is ministry and you don’t have to feel like you’re making a difference to have an impact. 

• Patience is pivotal in this journey on earth. Keep pushing yourself to grow in it. Respond with grace, gentleness, kindness, humor, humility, and forgiveness. Be grateful for the waiting- take time to slow down and see God in the moment. [But never pray for patience or do it at your own risk 😉 ]

• There’s so much need and lack in the world. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the vastness of it all but leave it in the Lord’s capable hands. You, just act as He leads you, one person at a time. And pray fervently for those you encounter. You can’t save the world but you can change someone’s world. 

• Give grace upon grace and then more grace. Don’t judge others but humble yourself and just love them. 

• Home is not a place. It’s a person – Jesus. With Him, I can be at “home” anywhere. Amazing people, hot showers, comfy bed, and a warm mug of coffee help, too 🙂

• I don’t need to know the plan for my future. There’s freedom in letting God arrange all that. I just follow Him moment-by-moment and trust that the best is yet to come. After all, He’s way more creative, fun, and resourceful than I am 😉 

• Gratitude is the key. Jesus broke the bread, “gave thanks”, and then gave it to the disciples. Before and during everything: stop to give thanks. It resets our heart posture and realigns our mind. Perspective is pivotal. By giving thanks, we acknowledge the gift/blessing, the Giver, and we draw closer to God and receive peace and joy. Who doesn’t need more of those?! 

• God created you uniquely and on purpose. The world needs you -the true you– no masks or imitating someone else. Each one of us is made in the image of God and reflects part of His character. Without you, something is lacking – that last puzzle piece that makes everything come together. He created you with unique gifts, strengths, character traits, and thoughts. And we need you! In the words of Dr. Seuss: “Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is NO ONE alive who is YOU-ER than you.” 

• Rest in the Lord is essential. It’s not a waste of time. Schedule in time to renew yourself in His presence and connect with Him. You’re worth it and He’s worth it. Get filled up so you can pour out.