When Miguel came home today for his noon break (and to escape some of the rain-drenched fields) he called me crazy for having the fan turned on claiming it's too cold! If you'd stop in at our home for a visit right now, besides no fans running, you'd find most of our windows closed and Miguel in a long sleeve shirt. It's raining! And it's the kind of "summer is over because it's raining" rain.
During the sweltering summer, we rejoice for the typical once-a-week rain showers because it cuts through the heat and stickiness. But really, sometimes those summer showers seem to make it worse because 5-15 minutes of sheer happiness in the rain quickly turn to sticking your face in the nearest pedestal fan, because the humidity after rain just went up a notch. Rain every day means the earth, cooled down by constant showers, has a chance to bring down the thermostat of humidity that clings to everything before all the freshness is sucked back into the atmosphere. Most people who know me know that Fall is my favorite season - I've talked about it often enough! It used to be because of the changing leaves and harvest parties in northern USA, but now it's also because of the glorious rain that ushers in hurricane season in tropical Dominican Republic.
Other than the rain, our most recent personal highlight has definitely been a little mountain excursion this week. Last night, we got back from a 3 day/2 night get-away into the mountains that someone very generously gifted us with. It was the perfect way to end the summer! We found a beautiful lodge tucked away above a lake in the northern part of the island and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of watching the fishermen in their boats out on the water while listening to the wind in the trees during the day and insect chirping at night. Up until a few years ago, I could never have imagined adapting to living in a city, let alone in a tropical climate. Some days, I really miss living in the country and I miss living in the mountains; this spot was the perfect combination of both. Miguel is pretty sure someone should start an FCA program up there ;).
In all honesty, though, something not enough missionaries feel like they can talk about is the need to get away and recharge every once in a while. The hustle and urgency of doing God's work can so often take precedence over just being with God. Remembering to take time at Jesus' feet like Mary did can be hard when our role usually looks a lot like Martha's. We are so thankful for that friend who knows this necessity and made it possible for us to get a boost of rejuvenation in our spiritual walk, as well as reconnect as a couple without distractions. All just in time for Miguel's weekend university classes to begin.
We met up with a friend the other day who we hadn't seen in a long time and were conversing on our favorite topic - making disciples. He said something that stuck out to me and has been turning over in my head since. He was telling us a little bit of the story of one of the youth he is currently mentoring. This teenager told him, "I have Christian neighbors who look every bit the part. They wear the clothes, talk the talk, are super nice and polite; but they never reached out to get to know me personally. I knew they were Christians and would never question that - but they didn't tell me that there was something better for my life than alcohol and drugs. They never reached out to me." Our friend kindly reminded him that none of us can know what is going on in the personal lives of other people and his neighbors don't need our judgement. They probably have very purposeful lives. But that story turned into the three of us talking about how Jesus did ministry. He got to know people personally. He reached out.
What I've been mulling over since then is the challenge of how to live our lives like Jesus did. This may sound cliche, but I think all of us need to be reminded of the importance of being present wherever we are at. Being present to those around us and the present to the voice of God. Hearing God's voice, can only happen when we spend time in His presence listening. I know Martha's challenge. I, too, get caught up in making things happen! Jesus' words with Martha weren't so much a reprimand that she was doing something wrong as it was a reminder to not give up what is better in order to accomplish what is good.
Everything comes in seasons, and some of those mean every minute crammed with activities. But I also think that I like the feeling of "I did this".
I led this person to Christ.
I prayed for this person's health and s/he got better.
I showed them a better way.
When in reality, all of that is impossible for me as a human to do. It's only Christ. I can't change someone's heart, no matter how hard I try. I can never, ever be the perfect example. When I lose sight of Christ, when I wander away from His presence, I also pull away from others. I forget to see their needs and hurts up close and love them the way Jesus loves them. I start to see their weaknesses form afar and become impatient or get frustrated when someone doesn't understand.
So, I'm taking on the challenge of being more present. More present with Christ and more present for others. Anyone wanna join me?
Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
During the sweltering summer, we rejoice for the typical once-a-week rain showers because it cuts through the heat and stickiness. But really, sometimes those summer showers seem to make it worse because 5-15 minutes of sheer happiness in the rain quickly turn to sticking your face in the nearest pedestal fan, because the humidity after rain just went up a notch. Rain every day means the earth, cooled down by constant showers, has a chance to bring down the thermostat of humidity that clings to everything before all the freshness is sucked back into the atmosphere. Most people who know me know that Fall is my favorite season - I've talked about it often enough! It used to be because of the changing leaves and harvest parties in northern USA, but now it's also because of the glorious rain that ushers in hurricane season in tropical Dominican Republic.
Other than the rain, our most recent personal highlight has definitely been a little mountain excursion this week. Last night, we got back from a 3 day/2 night get-away into the mountains that someone very generously gifted us with. It was the perfect way to end the summer! We found a beautiful lodge tucked away above a lake in the northern part of the island and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of watching the fishermen in their boats out on the water while listening to the wind in the trees during the day and insect chirping at night. Up until a few years ago, I could never have imagined adapting to living in a city, let alone in a tropical climate. Some days, I really miss living in the country and I miss living in the mountains; this spot was the perfect combination of both. Miguel is pretty sure someone should start an FCA program up there ;).
In all honesty, though, something not enough missionaries feel like they can talk about is the need to get away and recharge every once in a while. The hustle and urgency of doing God's work can so often take precedence over just being with God. Remembering to take time at Jesus' feet like Mary did can be hard when our role usually looks a lot like Martha's. We are so thankful for that friend who knows this necessity and made it possible for us to get a boost of rejuvenation in our spiritual walk, as well as reconnect as a couple without distractions. All just in time for Miguel's weekend university classes to begin.
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| Blankita, the goat, seemed to like us a lot |
What I've been mulling over since then is the challenge of how to live our lives like Jesus did. This may sound cliche, but I think all of us need to be reminded of the importance of being present wherever we are at. Being present to those around us and the present to the voice of God. Hearing God's voice, can only happen when we spend time in His presence listening. I know Martha's challenge. I, too, get caught up in making things happen! Jesus' words with Martha weren't so much a reprimand that she was doing something wrong as it was a reminder to not give up what is better in order to accomplish what is good.
Everything comes in seasons, and some of those mean every minute crammed with activities. But I also think that I like the feeling of "I did this".
I led this person to Christ.
I prayed for this person's health and s/he got better.
I showed them a better way.
When in reality, all of that is impossible for me as a human to do. It's only Christ. I can't change someone's heart, no matter how hard I try. I can never, ever be the perfect example. When I lose sight of Christ, when I wander away from His presence, I also pull away from others. I forget to see their needs and hurts up close and love them the way Jesus loves them. I start to see their weaknesses form afar and become impatient or get frustrated when someone doesn't understand.
So, I'm taking on the challenge of being more present. More present with Christ and more present for others. Anyone wanna join me?
Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
