So here are 3 takeaways that I have gathered during my stay leading up to my last week of this amazing adventure. 1: God is faithful. Never underestimate what God wants to do with your life. Never did I imagine God using me in this way. This journey has been more than my words could ever say. 2: Slow down. Quit running around and quit running in place. We get exhausted and are so focused on how tired we are and what we have to do next, that we forget about what God wants us to do now. 3: I love steak. Yep steak, I will never take it for granted again. I haven't had steak in 8 1/2 weeks (yes I counted) and that is my first meal when I get back haha. Chicken, beans, rice, and tortillas is probably not gonna be on my menu for quite a while haha. These aren't the only takeaways obviously but these are 3 that's really stood out to me. Especially the steak part! But in all seriousness, I didn't know what to expect when I came down here. I think that was a good thing. Once I rid my mind and heart of all expectations, my heart and mind became open to what God is calling me to do. For some people this is harder than it is for others. For me it was pretty difficult because I am pretty stubborn. I can be very prideful and it can be hard for me to let things go. In the deep, impactful and wisdom filled words and song of Elsa's, "let it go" haha. I had to come to the realization, whatever what will be, will be. I said I had no expectations coming down here but once I arrived and started experiencing life here, I quickly realized that I was only kidding myself. I did have expectations of what this was supposed to be like, and some of it was what I expected....like 5% haha but then the other 95% was a complete surrendering(and still is)of whatever is going to happen, is gonna happen. And the only thing we can do about it is pray and prepare ourselves for when things go array by asking God for wisdom and understanding. Asking God for wisdom and understanding is the best thing we can do. Remember the story of Solomon in 1st Kings 3? The wisest king to ever live and ever will live. God told him those words actually. "There has never been or ever will be none wiser than you, the Lord said to Solomon". All because he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart. I realized that my expectations back in the states were pretty ginormous too. I'm sure you can figure out for yourself your own expectations. But what about Gods expectations for you? Are you living those? Earnestly think about it and look deep inside and ask yourself, am I living up to Gods expectations. I hope you answered no. It's impossible for us to be perfect. If you read Colossians 3, Jesus, through Paul gives us plenty of instructions to live a new life. But still it's impossible to be perfect. I don't say that to discourage, but to encourage and motivate you. Please get out your bible, or your phone, or whatever you have right now that has the bible on it and read Micah 6: 6-8! Actually, I will just put it in here. I want you to get this. I think this is how we live up to His expectations:
Micah 6:6-8 What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
If you earnestly want to experience Gods expectations for you, then I urge you to take to heart what it's says in verse 8. I suggest that when you pray, pray whole heartedly for wisdom, understanding, mercy, grace, and love. He tells us that all we have to do is ask in his name and we shall have it.
So what are your expectations? Are you seeking perfect harmony with Gods expectations? Or are you trying to sing your own song? I hope you choose Gods :)
P.s. I will let you know how my first steak dinner in 9 weeks goes!
