I could have curled into the fettle position and stayed there all day. Then, in the midst of my three minute wallowing session, God so graciously reminded me that I have approximately eighteen days left to pour every bit of Christ in me into these girls. There is no time to waste.
With all the time consuming responsibility that today held, I hit the ground running without concentrated time in the Word. I must say I have never felt the lack of strength that flows from missing a morning like I did today. I made myself take a few minutes alone to eat a little lunch and feast on the Word of God. Let me tell you...best turn around to a day yet! Complete 180.
To add to the stress of "one of those days" I moved into the hostel to play "mom" for the weekend because Gertrude (their houseparent) went to visit family. Responsibility overload...but at the same time, opportunity overload. Sometimes I seem to forget how God has this whole thing rigged (to quote one of my favorite pastors)!
Two events that made my day:
1) One of the girls brought me these flowers. She said one was for "I", one for "love" and the other "you". Being a girl and all, it was the perfect pick-me-up!
2) Then, as playing "mom" time began, we were sitting around on the porch talking when one of the girls asked me if I was married. WHAT?? Is the African sun doing some intense damage because last time I looked, I was still seventeen. Don't worry Dad, I set them straight. I asked her why she thought that and she said because I wore a ring on my left hand (opportunity light bulb burning). I was able to explain the commitment I have to both Christ and my future husband, what I believe the Bible says about purity, and implore them to consider doing the same. While having this conversation I realized that she too wore a ring on her left hand. Jokingly I asked her if she was married or engaged to be married and if I could be in the wedding..now wait for it. This was her response: "No mam, I am not married. I saw that you wore a ring and wanted to wear one also, to be like you." To say the least, I was taken aback. Flattered? Without a doubt. But a reminder to live above reproach? Slightly overwhelming. They notice everything, they are watching every little detail. Every response, every action, everything I wear, everything I say. Lord, be glorified in my every breath.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in
conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12
That conversation opened the door for a night full of questions on marriage, purity, men, women's responsibility etc..and though I am no expert on the subject, I was able to drive them straight to the Word. In one conversation, I asked them to name three qualities they look for in a man. Handsome, smart, respectful towards women, morals, good smile..are just to name a few. Not a single one said a God fearing man. I told them that they will never be loved the way God intended love to be if they do not first seek to find a man the has submitted His life to Christ. How Ephesians 5 talks about a man loving His wife as Christ loves the church and what that looks like in action. Thank you dad, for actively displaying what true, godly love really looks like. Thank you for daily laying down your life for mom and for our family. You and mom have taught me what Biblical marriage looks like and now, because of your obedience, I am able to teach girls to follow your example. (Happy Father's Day!)
Two events that made my day:
1) One of the girls brought me these flowers. She said one was for "I", one for "love" and the other "you". Being a girl and all, it was the perfect pick-me-up!
2) Then, as playing "mom" time began, we were sitting around on the porch talking when one of the girls asked me if I was married. WHAT?? Is the African sun doing some intense damage because last time I looked, I was still seventeen. Don't worry Dad, I set them straight. I asked her why she thought that and she said because I wore a ring on my left hand (opportunity light bulb burning). I was able to explain the commitment I have to both Christ and my future husband, what I believe the Bible says about purity, and implore them to consider doing the same. While having this conversation I realized that she too wore a ring on her left hand. Jokingly I asked her if she was married or engaged to be married and if I could be in the wedding..now wait for it. This was her response: "No mam, I am not married. I saw that you wore a ring and wanted to wear one also, to be like you." To say the least, I was taken aback. Flattered? Without a doubt. But a reminder to live above reproach? Slightly overwhelming. They notice everything, they are watching every little detail. Every response, every action, everything I wear, everything I say. Lord, be glorified in my every breath.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in
conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12
That conversation opened the door for a night full of questions on marriage, purity, men, women's responsibility etc..and though I am no expert on the subject, I was able to drive them straight to the Word. In one conversation, I asked them to name three qualities they look for in a man. Handsome, smart, respectful towards women, morals, good smile..are just to name a few. Not a single one said a God fearing man. I told them that they will never be loved the way God intended love to be if they do not first seek to find a man the has submitted His life to Christ. How Ephesians 5 talks about a man loving His wife as Christ loves the church and what that looks like in action. Thank you dad, for actively displaying what true, godly love really looks like. Thank you for daily laying down your life for mom and for our family. You and mom have taught me what Biblical marriage looks like and now, because of your obedience, I am able to teach girls to follow your example. (Happy Father's Day!)
Thank you Morgan. Your words of encouragement are such a great joy!! (there are tears in my eyes of thankfulness for a daughter like you!!) Also, I am so excited about these conversations with the girls - what life changing words from above. The flowers are beautiful in more ways than one. I am thankful for how God turned your day around. love and miss you Mom
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