By the third day there’s this comfort level. Not just the students, but the adults also–all are finding their balance. The tension and unfamiliarity of the first day has been uprooted by a growing sense of community. After all, that’s really what it’s about–relationships.
Worship, morning and evening, is more vibrant because the trust level is growing. We sense a connection with those who lead us. We are coming to know more about them. They aren’t all that different from us. As a result our worship is real and passionate. Our love for God is growing.
The same is happening in our church group–between and within Mt. Carmel and Friendship. We are getting to know one another and we like it. It’s a good thing to love and care for each other. God made us for this. We are most alive when we are in right relationship with others.
Ministry, as varied as it may be, is making an impact not just on the people whom we are serving, but on us as well. Tonight in our church group devotion we heard story after story of children who suffer from neglect and abuse, households that were devastated by Katrina, and local churches that are struggling to make a difference. Each one of us is burdened by the needs here and the opportunities to do the same at home.
Several of our students are making lifelong commitments to ministry this week. Others are making decisions relative to their relationship to God, family and friends. The relationships that are forming between adults, classmates, and new friends are foundational ones–the stuff lives are built upon, the way God does his work.
When you focus on the needs and interests of others, especially above your own, you open yourself up to God’s will and good purpose for your life. Loving God and loving one another, as well as others, is what it’s all about.
Our hearts are full and we love it!
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Thank you …..very well stated.