Time is an illusion, as they say. The past three weeks have been
really busy and have passed without my awareness. What am I saying? I haven’t
had a concept of time for the last six months.
A few weeks ago, I was getting ready for camp at a good pace, I thought.
But then suddenly the days were winding down and there were still small details
to be taken care of and people to get in touch with and my room had turned into
a disaster hole.
For those of you who don’t know, if indeed you exist, for
the past two years I have been involved with an organization that does
evangelistic camps for youths and adults with disabilities. It’s like summer
camp with a Jesus twist…and handicap accessible. The time I spent in Ecuador
was working with this organization, Cristo Vive, and the past two summers I did
week-long camps with them. It’s the highlight of my year, seriously. It’s a
time of no pretenses or inhibitions, of unhindered love and laughter, of
learning and teaching, running around and slowing down to keep pace with those who
endure life at the pace that their physical bodies allow them. My main love
language is physical touch and at camp I get enough high-fives and hugs to
bring me into a state of perfect contentment and joy. God always teaches me the
most important lessons when I’m with those kids and that particular group of
workers.
This year He spoke something very important to me. One of
the most precious gifts He’s given us is so simple that I haven’t recognized it
as a gift at all. Other than the fact that He has so graciously given me legs
for kicking and jumping, a mouth to not only eat with but also communicate in
functional ways as well as shout and sing and whistle, hands that can point and
push and cross and clap, and the ability to express myself in whatever way
seems necessary…He has given me something so much more precious: TIME. For some
reason unknown to me but somehow woven into the pattern into the tapestry of
His will, I am allotted a specific time on this earth and someday I will be
held accountable with how I have invested my time. Because it really isn’t MY
time, anyway. What better way could I have spent last week but at camp, serving
and being blessed? All of our talents, abilities, and simple human functions
are to be used for HIS purpose, for HIS glory. Be intentional with your time. I
mean…look at us. Our lives are so easy. We aren’t exactly spending all our time
fighting just to survive like some people are. I look at my life and I have all the food and provisions
I need and then some. I think God has provided this generation with amazing
opportunities to reach out.
The next couple of months are going to be a time of
transition. I’m still working out the details of my living situation after I
move out of Jean’s house, but I have a few options available. I’m just waiting
to see where the Lord directs me. He has been pretty good at keeping me in
suspense for all the important decisions I’ve made the past couple of years,
and I know it’s just a matter of waiting on His perfect timing. He always works
it out perfectly just when I think I might explode from the suspense. I want to
be able to be involved in ministries where He can use my talents and abilities,
be glorified in my weaknesses, and stretch my strengths.
Here are some exciting events coming up that I just can’t
stop getting excited about:
-Trip home at the end of July! Yay family…and seeing Kiki
and my Ñaño…welcome
home!
-Sister’s wedding in the fall. I love my sister, I love
weddings, and the autumn loves me. Can’t wait to celebrate with them.
-My birthday in August…normally my birthday isn’t all that
big of a deal to me, but I have a big plan for this one. Skydiving, anyone?
-5K Color Run on July 15. http://thecolorrun.com/minnesota. I don’t run…but this
should be crazy fun.
-Possible trip to Mexico in October for cousin’s wedding
Funny text message from sister
the other day:
Laura: Nel?
Me: Yesh?
No response
Me: Speak.
Laura: Nothing. I just wanted to
see your voice.
As always, He is faithful and merciful and today gave me a
day of much-needed rest and relaxation. And here I sign off…my Blue Flame is
calling me to a bike ride.
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