desert blossom

Nothing very profound happened today, but I accomplished a lot. I wanted to note how good God has been to me throughout this transition into a new place and ministry.

Tonight I was working on setting colored cloth over the fluorescent lights. It was long, tedious work, but with the help of a new friend I completed the task. As we were working on the lights, some of the children from the church walked in the room. They expressed how much they enjoyed the new atmosphere. They were kind, and introduced me to their parents as they were dropped off for play practice. I felt a surge of energy, despite my long day. Just then I realized how teachers and pastors make it through such difficult vocations.

I stayed to watch the children practice their play. I did not get to stay for the entire practice, but I watched the program from beginning to end. The children were great! I realized right then how much I love and admire these children. I hope that I can live up to their expectations. I pray that God will use me and the team to minister to these children in ways that will enhance their spiritual growth as they establish a firm biblical foundation. As I left, I told the kids that I loved them, and they looked great. I told them that I was excited to see them on Sunday, but for the time being I had to leave. As I picked up my things, a young girl from the group jumped off the stage and gave me a hug. I could have cried right there. What a profound display of love and appreciation.

I feel like God has brought hope and life back into this group of kids. I feel like the hand of God has been extended to me through these young people. The excitement that was birthed in me before my move has been rekindled today. I no longer fear large decisions and appointments. I feel like the season has unofficially begun. I don’t feel as unsettled as I did yesterday; although, I am looking forward to traveling and spiritual retreats.

It has been a productive day, but I must leave you with this thought. A friend of mine told me that, as she thought about a sim’s game, she thought about humanity’s relationship to God. The sims are unaware that someone is operating the computer that brings about their circumstances. They are unaware that someone created their environment and set them in motion, and yet they function (although I have seen bratty sim girls turn to the computer operator from time to time to express their displeasure in some form of gibberish). In the same way, God watches over us as we play out our lives in a kind of entertaining sim’s episode before Him.

Although I see her point, I have to say that I think the sims lack a lot of characteristics that make our relationship to our Creator so unique. Even though we can’t physically see Him, He is so evident. It is not just the environment around us; rather, He is working through us and in us everyday. He reveals Himself to us through other people and circumstances. Nature reflects Him. It is truly amazing! Unlike the sims that I have seen, He does not tell us what to do next; rather, He lovingly urges us to pursue His vision for our lives, concerning our potential. He desires what is best for us, but we are left to make our own decisions.

My friend also talked about being as dependent on God for all of our needs and desires as a sim’s character is on its creator. Without the player telling the sim’s character to bathe, sleep, eat, clean, get a job, etc. the character would become disgruntled and eventually cease to exist. If God did not intervene in our lives to provide for our needs and care for us then we would cease to exist as well. He provides the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, other humans with whom we associate, etc. He inspires us to keep going another day through a variety of different means. He sends children our way, when we feel worn out, stressed, and discouraged. I thank God for being God. His glory is truly visible everywhere we look!