But this looked differently than I ever expected. If I had to use one word to describe it, it would be UNPREDICTABLE.
I never knew what would happen. There were heartbreaking moments as folks confessed sin that they had been struggling with or shared stories of pain and death. These are some of the people who walk most closely with Christ that I know, and I've learned that the life of the believer is marked by pain and suffering, just as is the life of those who don't believe.
There were times of great rejoicing and excitement as folks shared about stories of victory over sin in their own lives or the lives of those they love, news of engagements, marriages and births, and accounts of incredible ways that God provides.
And there was FUN. There were times I laughed so hard I cried as someone invariably had to perform a song or swim in the pond because of a lost farkle. There's still a group who swim in the pond after staff prayer every week because of a game they played at our staff Christmas party. I saw someone sing a college fight song in leather pants, someone else sing one wrapped in a Snuggie, and the one Englishman on staff somehow drew the unlucky straw of having to sing the American national anthem.
I remember anticipating staff prayer every Tuesday morning before I went to work. When I started working there, I allowed insecurities to keep me from sharing, and I honestly regret that, and realize now how silly that was. I loved when I got to share the fun news that Adam and I were engaged, or that we were expecting a baby. I also remember sharing about the hard things, like when I was struggling with body image or when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. What a great picture of the body of Christ...that we are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. (Rom 12:15)
I was challenged in my walk with Christ every week...without fail. I can honestly say that God used this 1.5 hours (sometimes more, rarely less) each week to sharpen me, motivate me, refine me, encourage me, move me, and grow me like little else has done in my life. Heb 10:24-25 says "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
I left those times excited about the job I got to do...but more importantly, excited about Jesus. I loved being a part of this team, and these times on Tuesday reminded me why. Though I love my new job being a wife and mommy, I miss those Tuesday mornings.
So I wanted to take time to share one thing that God is teaching me each week with you, my blog audience. (I'm not entirely sure that anyone reads this except for Adam and both of our moms, but nevertheless...) Each week I'll share what I'm learning, and how that is informing how I pray for Erin.
The goal is to post these on Tuesdays. But, to be totally honest, I started writing this last Tuesday. And I meant to finish it yesterday. Oh well.
Last week: Proverbs 18:15 says, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out." I am praying that God will give Erin a heart and mind that is able to discern what is true, and that she will grow in wisdom as she grows in years.
This week: I've been reading through Ezekiel with our church, (click here for more info on how you can join us), and I'm about halfway through. A phrase that has been repeated often is "...so that you [they] will know that I am the LORD."
I am praying this week that Erin will know the LORD for who He is...not for who others say He is, or what her emotions or her circumstances tell her He is, but for what His unchanging Word says about Him and His character. I pray that she will rest in knowing Him, no matter what, and that this will comfort her and give her great courage throughout her life.
And, because a post is always better with a picture...
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