Guys, I am just so encouraged right now. I am currently on
my way back from a 4-day Fall Break spent in Maryland, and I’m overflowing with
joy, passion, love, and encouragement. I’m not even sure if I can put it all
into words… but what God does sometimes is WAY too big to put into words, isn’t
it?
I’ll start with explaining the title of this post – Weekend
of Waffles. This weekend I spent the night at three different family’s houses,
and I wasn’t treated like much of a guest. There was hair in the shower drain,
a stinkbug under my pillow, no breakfast waiting for me when I woke up, and
when dinnertime came one night the family I was staying with said something
along the lines of, “If you want to eat, go find something in the kitchen.” I
ended up with a dinner consisting of 3 freezer-burnt microwavable chocolate
chip waffles.
And I love all those things.
I wasn’t a guest in any of the homes I stayed at. Yes, they went out of their way to give me clean sheets and drive me places I needed to get to (and for those things I give my utmost gratitude), but when it came time to take a shower they said, “You know where the towels are… just grab whatever.” You don’t tell guests to find their own shower supplies or to grab their own water when they’re thirsty. Those are things you tell friends that have become an extension of family. With family you sleep in, run errands, watch murder shows, go on walks, sit down and don't have to talk, paint nails, make fun of, sing songs, eat meals, go to church, and much more that this weekend held. So to the Appels, Dudecks, and McDades, I thank you for allowing me into your homes and into your families. That's the biggest compliment and gift I could ever think to desire of you.
Another thing that hyped me up this weekend was Saturday
night at the Cachiaras’ house. In 9 days, my friend, Kylie, is moving to Kenya for at
least a year, and Ben, Karla, Kelly, and Rob invited some people who
had influenced her life to come over to celebrate her and her upcoming African
mission. The McDades were invited, so I tagged along to say my goodbye to Kylie
and get some good snacks.
Pretty soon as we all ate and chatted, we gathered around
and listened to Kylie share her current emotions about the move as well as her
story of how she had gotten to that point. Following her testimony, Kelly and
Rob shared their own stories as well as their emotions. The floor was opened
after that to whoever wanted to reminisce on their experiences with Kylie or give encouragement to her. We finished with worshipping to Matt Redman’s “Never
Once” and praying over Kylie’s new adventure.
Throughout the evening I did a lot of thinking, and seeing
those who have influenced her so passionate and encouraged for her journey and
seeing her excitement and relentless love for those she is preparing to
interact with and serve encouraged me in my own walk. I’ve been focusing
recently on the strength of my pursuit of Christ, and these days it hasn’t been
very strong. I’ve realized it is because I’m so focused on what others around
me want for me, what they want from me, and what I can do to make myself feel
better… happier.
It dawned on me the other day like it has dawned on me many
times before – if I pursue Christ and His desire for my life, THAT’S when I
feel better… happier. That’s when I feel like I’m accomplishing something and
when I feel passionate about life. Maybe because I’m doing what I have always
been meant to do. Duh, Danielle.
So here’s to focusing every day – every decision, every
moment, every interaction – on a much, MUCH bigger purpose than little ole,
sinful, human me.
