This week I've felt aware and grateful for the fact that we all have different skills and gifts in life. Thoughts like these were inspired by various activities we participated in recently. The theme of our morning meetings this week was worship. I've always enjoyed worship sessions with instruments and singing but I know that currently I don't totally understand the full range of what worship truly is. It has been such a delight to experience Abby and Melia's amazing perspective and ability in this area. They have opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about the purpose and heart of worship. It made me thankful that God put that passion in them that I can learn from.
Also while out on the Kai this past Friday I was impressed with this concept of there being many parts that make up the body. As our team of four was strolling down the sidewalk we saw Uncle Ben, a man we had met a couple months previous and who is quite a character. He was feeling social, as usual, and ambled across the street to chat. Normally while out doing Street Buddies I'm not afraid to talk with just about anyone but with Uncle Ben I get a little edgy. By appearance alone he is intimidating with white-out contacts, burly 6 foot stature, a full set of skull knuckle rings, and a propensity to talk about drug activities. I try my best to remind myself that Jesus hung out with people that everyone else thought of as different and I should do the same but sometimes it is challenging. The beautiful thing is that God made Micah and Jonathan with a heart for Uncle Ben. It was so incredible watching the guys hang out with him and be so comfortable and not the least bit surprised at the wild things he said. Micah ended up having an in depth conversation with him about loving enemies and he even got to know more about who Ben is and his past. Jonathan and Micah both were so happy and grateful to have the chance to meet with him again. Once more I was glad that we aren't all the same and that I can learn how to better love all kinds of people from those around me.
Hope you all are doing well! Love and Blessings!
-Rachael
Also while out on the Kai this past Friday I was impressed with this concept of there being many parts that make up the body. As our team of four was strolling down the sidewalk we saw Uncle Ben, a man we had met a couple months previous and who is quite a character. He was feeling social, as usual, and ambled across the street to chat. Normally while out doing Street Buddies I'm not afraid to talk with just about anyone but with Uncle Ben I get a little edgy. By appearance alone he is intimidating with white-out contacts, burly 6 foot stature, a full set of skull knuckle rings, and a propensity to talk about drug activities. I try my best to remind myself that Jesus hung out with people that everyone else thought of as different and I should do the same but sometimes it is challenging. The beautiful thing is that God made Micah and Jonathan with a heart for Uncle Ben. It was so incredible watching the guys hang out with him and be so comfortable and not the least bit surprised at the wild things he said. Micah ended up having an in depth conversation with him about loving enemies and he even got to know more about who Ben is and his past. Jonathan and Micah both were so happy and grateful to have the chance to meet with him again. Once more I was glad that we aren't all the same and that I can learn how to better love all kinds of people from those around me.
Hope you all are doing well! Love and Blessings!
-Rachael