There is something amazing that happens when we just take the time to encourage a friend, and something wonderful that occurs when a friend encourages you. Many of us choose to be encouragers, but often we feel a bit uncomfortable when we ourselves are encouraged. Encouragement, like forgiveness, is a powerful, beautiful, gracious balm that meets someone in their place of need; whether they realize the need or not. It is like finding the right medicine for an irritating ailment, soothing, calming, curing.
It is humbling to be the recipient of care and encouragement, for we often feel we do not deserve it. We struggle recieving it, and yet if we don't recieve it, we rob the joy of the one trying to encourage us. What I have found is that the more we encourage others, the more others long to encourage us. If we all were to become encouragers, there would be a swelling sweetness that would barrage and overtake the entire planet!
As we prepare to go, packing the last of our things of 'comfort' to take with us, I am glad that I have the greatest comfort of all packed in my bag, and in my heart. Knowing that Jesus Christ is climbing in my bags, will be with us on the shuttle to and fro, the jet, and in Croatia is really all the comfort I need. However, also knowing that all you are walking the trip with us, praying and holding us up before our Lord, adds additional comfort that will bring much peace in on a trip that will be filled with challenges and tests. Jetlag, exhaustion, being in a different environment with people who may or may not speak our language will all try to overtake us like a tsunami overtakes an island. Ah, yes, but we are not islands. We are an united continent. United because we all share in this trip together as a team; us going, God going before us and with us, and you holding the ropes for us at home.
You may not feel the depths of our gratefulness, but rest assured, we are sooooo grateful for all you have and will contribute as part of this trip. Stay tuned for updates and ready for 'the rest of the story' as we return. THANK YOU for being a part of the swelling sweetness as we press ahead on the adventure with Christ.
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I'm waiting patiently to hear about your trip there. I pray everyone traveled nicely, no getting sick, no leg cramps and slept a little. The excitement alone would keep me awake! Went to luch with some of the ladies for Ann Leaps birthday and we talked and prayed for our croatia team. I say our but I know we don't own you but I feel like a part of the team. I have to travel thru others at this time in my life so I'm thankful your a good journaler! God Bless you all. Let's see, is it today now or tomorrow or yesterday?
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Team: By now you should've been in England for a couple of hours. Tell Stu I missed his evening and morning poky kisses. Love ya.
ReplyDeleteGlad yall arrived safely. I bet you could have a bed as bad as your seat and it would feel good right now. What is our time difference? I looked up Croatia and it looks like your crusine will be a mixture of all the little countries around. Reminded me of the little houses at Balboa Park and you can go around and taste many things. God Bless all of you! Can't wait for Skype tomorrow at church.
ReplyDeletelinda