I am greiving the end of summer. This is my last day before the onslaught of a new school year and a new season of ARC begins. One way to move on is to reflect on what my God did over the summer.
I am famous for making plans that fall through. God is always switching it up on me in crazy ways, and I am forced to fall in line with His agenda. In Farsi there is a word for schedule that I love, “barname”. God’s “barname” for me this summer was radically different from my own, but it was entirely wonderful.
I got to spend a lot of time in Young’s Park, the neighborhood we love in Norfolk. My time there was so kairos- I met so many children and people that I wanted to meet. I hadn’t expected to get to know so many lovely faces so fast.
I spent more time with my lovely ladies from ARC, diving deeper into their lives, while Cat, Monica, and I started a study on Esther that kicked my butt. I lay around on the beach with Lorri and Monica. Twice, I watched a pod of dolphins play near the shore. I watched my roommate hoop dance with abandon!
beach!
I spent the month of July in prayer for Iran, realizing my responsibilities there and asking for an open door to minister in the future. I met with the director of RIHOP to share insights into how to pray for my favorite country.
God made me rest. I slept a lot and got my house in order and painted my mailbox, and loved on my dog.I trained for my marathon, and finished in record time. I shopped at Trader Joe’s. I spent endless hours at the car dealership, trying to get my VW in order….
The highlight of my summer by far was the relationships and people with whom I got to hang out, all over the US. I saw almost everyone that I love. Amazing. Cilicia, Amber, Sarah, Simone, Doug, Jennifer, Cheryl, Amy, Daddy, Juanda, Leon, Adrienne, baby Tobiah. All the kids in Young’s Park. Mama Robinson. There were countless people I met and talked to with whom I didn’t even intend to spend time. Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need…He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. …He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He annoints my head with oil. My cup overflows.
I thought I would work all summer, but God forced me to rest and spend time with specific people. I love you, God. I love that You take charge of my plans. Please do that always.
