This past week I made a crucial error. I started looking at the wind and waves around me and just like Peter, I began to sink. This week the wind and the waves seemed even larger than normal. The little frustrations added up quickly.
– I came to realize I will always have at least one misquito bite.
– The roaches found our house.
– Going anywhere involves carrying a heavy child or walking at a snail’s pace.
– Walked 20 minutes to a store for three things (sugar, peanuts and pretzels) only to find out they were out of those for the day. In fact all 4 stores I went to this week were out of sugar.
– Market….oh market. Everything is at market (according to a Senegalese). The problem is you have to find the one person who has it and then figure out what price it should be…neither of which are easily done.
– Language and culture…a random lady walks away with my child and I don’t even have the language or know the culturally appropriate way to ask, “excuse me, where are you going with my child”.
The reality is that most of these things were only frustrating because of my perspective. For example: American way – plan menu…make a list…shop Senegalese way: go to market see what you can get that day… decide what to make….cook. There are so many ways that I need to change and adapt. This week I stared up at the HUGE mountain in front of us and wept. Yet it was here where God gently took me and reminded me that it was not my job to climb the mountain. My job is to keep my eyes on him and to keep putting on foot in front of the other. That is my prayer this week. God help me to keep my eyes off of the mountain and just follow you.
Did you learn to preach from you father? Your messages are powerful and right on the money. I don’t care if you are in Senegal, Portland or Mesa AZ still we have to keep out eyes on him. Like you say Peter was fine until he took his eyes off our Lord and realized that what he was doin was impossible. Ofcourse he was right. As long as it was him doing it, it was impossilbe. But when his eyes were on the Lord all things were possilbe. Just keep on preaching Andi. We all need it. Carolyn
It’s cold this morning, but the fire is warm. I’m praying for each of you as the house begins to stir. Love, Toby
Loved this post. SO true. Good perspective.
This is so powerful and beautiful. Thank you. Praying for you and loving you!
At least you are confident you’re facing in the right direction, looking (or not looking as it were) at the right mountain. Dont underplay the blessing in that piece. The Downings presented their overview this past weekend of their time in brazil and it made me wonder what sort of photo montage we could present after 25 years of working.
Sorry to have missed your calls this week- after Thursday we should be more free. We hear Alabama has Internet now:)
Oh my dear daughter and son-in-law, thank you for learning from the Master and teaching me as well. I long to learn this crucial perspective!!
Love you all.
Dad