Birthdays often cause me to
be sentimental and reflective.
Last week as I marked
another year, my mind went back. Not only was July 9 my birthday, but it also
signified 4 1\2 years I have been in Uganda. If my memory serves me correctly,
I boarded a plane in Portland on July 9, 2010 for my first and what I thought might be only one year in Uganda.
I have been thinking
of the lessons I have realized and the truths I have come to embrace, especially
while living and serving on an island on Lake Victoria.
1. Jesus often does
the unexpected. He is unpredictable, and frequently what He does is above and
beyond what one can imagine. He works in ways beyond human understanding, with a
depth of love and truth that is untraceable.
2. I cannot control
results. As much as I think, as hard as I try, as much energy I exert, I cannot
save a soul or meet the deepest needs of any human. I cannot permanently
change, control or transform another life or soul. That is the work of Jesus
alone.
3. My life is meant
to primarily be a signpost, pointing others to the Savior. No ministry, or
outreach or service should ever be about me. It must always be ALL about HIM.
4. Human need has
many layers. Poverty is not as simple or as easily "fixed"as it may
seem. It is often rooted in multiple and complex layers of cultural, social, historical,
spiritual, economic factors and influences. Thus there are often not simple or
quick solutions.
5. Programs and
activities must never replace or supersede the building of genuine
relationships with others. Ministry is about extending the love and light of
Christ and that is often done through kindness, genuine care, and friendship.
6. Jesus loves people
intimately, completely and unconditionally. For sure He has done this for me. But as I
think about the small island I live on and how insignificant it is compared
to the numerous places and countless people around the world, I wonder how God
is mindful of the people of Lingira Island, Yet, over and over, He has shown
His immeasurable love, grace, and kindness here - in this small, "insignificant" place.
7. Jesus is enough.
He moved me to a small, remote island, halfway across the world from my home,
my family and my friends, away from my comforts and securities to show me He
is enough. No place, profession, person or pursuit can satisfy like Jesus does.
8. Joy surfaces in
the most unlikely places.Unlike happiness, which is usually found in
circumstances, joy is deep-seated and can grow and blossom in the loneliest,
darkest, and most forsaken and forgotten of places. Joy is found in Christ and
there is no place or circumstance where He is not present.
9. Cultures are rich.
The world's many cultures are rich in history, expressions of art, music dance, of
foods, holidays and festivals, of parables, proverbs, and stories. And Jesus
delights in each one since He is the creative genius behind them. Yes, sin
has tainted and corrupted them, but Christ is working to redeem them - so that their colorful
diversity and creativity will bring Him praise once again, as they were designed
to do.
10. The best and most
important lessons are often learned outside of a classroom. What is written here
are things that are not taught, they are observed, absorbed, and most often
imparted by the Holy Spirit - the world's best teacher.
I am so, so grateful for these and other lessons and yet I know many more lie ahead. :)
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| I took in this beautiful plot of sunflowers on my birthday last week, which included attending Uganda's national agriculture show in Jinja. |
