A mentor, a friend, a new friend, a Japanese brother and a biological brother walk into a person's heart…
As was hoped for, the school year has been a phenomenal mess! I have enjoyed it and relished special, life-altering moments/lessons with "my kids" (students).
Because of this crazy, chaotic life, I. Am. Spent. Exhausted. Wiped out. Used up.
My first stop along the road to a fulfilling spring break would take me to my mentor (-whom I'll not name because I've not asked.) I was nervous about meeting with her because it had been some time, but for spiritual survival, I knew I needed to meet with her.
She, of course, met me with open arms. It was as if tears of joy coated my insides and melted all reservations that would have kept me from stopping by! Do you know what it is like to have someone love you in the name of Jesus?!? To care and look out for you? Unexplainable joy! We talked, she encouraged, she prayed and she prayed some more. El Roi unveiled
my eyes, allowing me to see that which had been hidden. She has not just entered my life but my heart as she continues to give of herself and her time, year after year after year. God is good.
Rach is a dear friend who also represents a larger group of friends. We actually saw each other last week but now, seven hours north of our last meeting, decided it was important to meet again. A few years back, we struggled through life together for eight weeks. (Eight
interesting weeks!) And there is something about just sitting down with people who know you well and can relate to the desire to serve the same One as you. We missed our compadres, but enjoyed our time together and plan to meet up more often in months coming. Something simple yet important. Rach's life and commitment has impacted my own life and commitment. She is a sister on a level beyond what blood can bear. I appreciate her and other sisters in Jesus (who are further away).
My new friend is an adventurous friend who would jump in ice cold water, sew dresses, paint a canvas and talk Jesus with me. I'm big on time, and she shared hers with me. She cannot know what sort of renewal that time brought to my spirit and heart.
Neither can the Japanese man who played the guitar, showcasing his talent for Jesus. Talk about an impression- I witnessed this on Tuesday; now it is Thursday evening and I still smile when I think of being able to worship with him!
The last great person to walk into my heart so far this week is my "little" brother Robert. He'll be down to visit in a couple of days, but I got one-on-one time with him in Dallas. He shared his space, time, energy, food and love with me. We talked about Jesus, nephews, culture, nephews, family, nephews, and work. God is doing incredible things in this guy and I cannot get over it. He is not the same person he was a year ago. My heart was overjoyed as he shared with me. I am on the verge of envious when it comes to the people he gets to know and serve, but I am so happy for him (and that I get to visit!)
I thought at the end of this break I would be worn out from traveling twelve and a half hours of highway miles through four different cities, but I am more full of Life than I have been since August!
To the dear ones in my life that I have seen this week and to those that I haven't…I love you! God bless you and may we see each other again soon!
(PS If you are interested in purchasing a painting similar to the one above, let me know. The artist may be able to create and sell in order to raise funds for a mission trip.)
