To be caught on the winds of the evening and cast up high, high into God’s sunset is to see the world through different eyes. Looking down far I see with fresh perspective how very small we are in all this wide expanse of majesty that we barely notice when it isn’t holding us up with both hands.
And He holds us tight.
Every morning when I wake up He reaches out a Carpenter-rough hand to me and I blink blearily without contact lenses in yet and reach out a hand to be clutched in His. Tiny barefoot me pitter patters after Him, curious but not afraid of where He leads.
Today He leads me up to 30,000 feet and into His sunset.
Spread out like a map below me the world glows evening. And from this distance boundary lines are invisible with everything awash in clouds and the colors of another done day. Spent in airports and in between new faces, I would pay out this day the same if it came calling again.
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:5.
Hands held for the first time and eyes looked into mine and faces lit up with smiles. New beginnings over frozen yogurt and French fries were just as delicious. Hearts raced and words stood up off the page and introduced themselves to me with only the barest trace of a Canadian accent. And comment boxes overflowed with laughter in real time and the correct ratio of ice to coke was shared, savored, enjoyed sweetening the waiting for our departure to be called.
Community up close and in person is beautiful. Community that steps off the pages of our flickering blue screens and packs rain boots and teddy bears because someone asked them to go and tell a story is worth leaving home and family to join.
Six days.
Six days in Guatemala with three other bloggers and a thousand kids who will, I am certain, imprint themselves on our lives more than we could ever affect theirs. All we bring to them is our words and the offer to tell their stories. The commitment to see past the borders of our own lives and write down the expanse of what God is already at work at– long before we arrive and long after we leave.
We don’t go to do God’s work; we go to join in what He is already doing.
And the sunset blazes a trail behind us, the frozen yogurt makes its way comfortably to my thighs, and tomorrow I will meet a hundred children who don’t yet know that I exist. But I am certain in the midst of all this, that what He is doing –what He has invited us to do with Him- is so very, very good.
Stopping by from MommaKnows. I’m so glad she pointed me in your direction. In the past hour of reading your blog, I have been blessed, convicted, encouraged, smiled, and laughed. Thank you for your amazing gift of words.
I’ll be praying for you as you take this journey with compassion.
Krista
“We don’t go to do God’s work; we go to join in what He is already doing.”
I love how you write.
Looking forward to hearing more about your time in Guatamala.
Thanks for sharing this journey and blessing us in the process :) Praying for a safe trip and an incredible experience! Lots of love xx
So thankful you are following his lead for all of us still behi d the blue screens….
Praying your first day is blessed and your heart recognizes even more folks from that community of believers!
*blessings*
Rebekah sent me to this site. So good to see you. I’ve only been able to read for a few minutes this morning in between getting breakfast for kids, getting ready for work, getting kids dressed for school . . . BUT, I will be back. I love it.
Stephanie
Just realized that “Stephanie” probably wasn’t enough of an identifier :) Stephanie Renner from law school. Again – can’t wait to read more.
Following along with love and prayers from PEI Canada!
The correct ice to diet dr. pepper ratio is very important. Glad I communicated that clearly ;)
I wait with such excitement to read your precious words from this journey. You are resting so perfectly inside His will, it’s the absolute best place to be. My heart skipped and leaped upon reading just one sentence of you and Ann and Lindsey meeting. I have my own thoughts on the ice/coke ratio, and can’t wait to discuss.
Tell those children how often we pray for them. And if you see our little Guatemalan girl hug her tightly for me. xoxo
I can hardly stand my anticipation of seeing Guatemala through your eyes, and the others. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you! Humbly praying for your EVERY DAY!
So glad you got there safely friend. Am continuing to pray for a rich, delicious, heart-melding journey for all of you…
“We don’t go to do God’s work; we go to join in what He is already doing.”
Oh how I love that you are approaching your trip like this… can’t wait to see what God does this week!
booger – I forgot to include this scripture I was thinking about in my comment
“The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” ps 24
….”we go to join in what He is already doing”
This is one of the reasons I love to read your perspective. You were all on my mind last night before bed, and in my prayers both last night, and on my way into work this morning. Godspeed.
I know it’s a sin to be jealous and I’m working on that.
I love you. I love your heart. I love that you are there in the midst of it.
Praying for you.
Loved your line about leaving home to tell a story worth telling. That is truth and a great commission statement right there! We are all called to tell a story. Love that this is one way you get to do that!
Praying for your heart!
I love your writing and cant wait to read more about your trip!
Canadians don’t have an accent – it’s everyone else!
I am reading so closely, it’s like I’m inhaling every word.
My prayers are thick on you and the team, Lisa-Jo. May God do great things through your arms and your words this week.
How lovely to meet face-to-face, to share this God ordained journey. I am praying for all of you and for the hearts you will touch.
He has you in His arms!
I’m so so so excited for your trip! I’ll be thinking and praying for you guys! What a big adventure God is taking you on!
Yay! You are here! Aren’t the kids cute?! :)
“We don’t go to do God’s work; we go to join in what He is already doing.”
This very thought resonated in me so deeply. It is a simple thought, but so true. I have often heard and said myself “off to do God’s work”…but in reality, the Lord has allowed me a place on the frontlines. To be a part of what His hand is touching, healing, moving and loving. I get to see that and feel it. I get to be a part of this by His grace and mercy.
What a beautiful perspective you shared with us Lisa Jo. Praying for you and the rest of the team!
“We don’t go to do God’s work; we go to join in what He is already doing.”
So, so, so true, and such a great perspective. Have a blessed trip!
What He is doing IS so very, very good and you are so very, very good at living out His plan and painting His picture for us! Staying tuned, lovey!