The Mission Field

I have always heard of people saying that they were changed more on a mission trip than they feel like they changed other people...

As I come up to the end of my journey as a student and am about to enter into the world of teaching, I have come to realize what God is trying to teach me as I teach 9 and 10 year olds. I knew that teaching was my location where God wanted me to bring him glory, but didn't realize how much I would learn about love myself. When something is innate, it typically sticks with you for the rest of your life, right? I mean you are born with it! I have felt like I have the congenital birth defect of getting irritable easily and annoyed with people. Yes, I am admitting this out in the open! The last year has been a time of tremendous growth, but the past few months I feel like I have conquered a trait and overpowered it with the love of God! I have been able to love people in a different way. I have been able to love them with God's love. About a year ago, I learned how to finally fully accept God's love. I thought I had previously done so until that beautiful day in March when it hit me! It was wonderful! I felt like I could conquer the world with love! I am now learning how to love every child which has overflowed to every person as if they were my own child... as they are God's child. I strive, in Christ, in my ability to edify and encourage people whenever they cross my path! I was at Sam's today and I felt as if God's love was radiating from me! I want to be the one who gives a warm smile that shows someone they're worth it! I remember going through times not feeling like I was worth it and I don't want anybody to ever go through that again! Whether a smile or a word from me is temporary relief or eternal, I pray that they see it's God.

Something neat that happened today is that I encouraged somebody just by being my obedience to God. I was video taped about God's wisdom and it was shown at church in January. Today my mom was talking to somebody in the nursery and he was talking about his wife wanting to become a teacher. He asked her if she saw the video of a young girl talking about whether or not she wanted to go to public school or private school and just asking for God's wisdom in her decisions. My mom said, "That was my daughter!" He told my mom that the video inspired his wife to really persevere in her ambitions. I thought that was so neat!! Even if that video was merely to help one person it was so worth it!! Maybe I will be able to meet her and encourage her face to face.

My challenge for you is to start asking God to take control of your tongue on a daily basis. It's amazing what He will do!!