Ordinary Folks

So I found a new mission devotional at the guest house.  It is 3 part series by Lena Wood.  They are journals that are focused on each step of a short term mission experience - from planning to return.  They are entitled "Called," "Challenged," and "Changed."  I decided to pick up "Challenged" this morning and found myself somewhat unable to put it down.  
Here are some of the highlights that are on my heart tonight.


God is in the details. 
I find myself dreaming big dreams and constantly focused on what is going to happen in the future.  It wasn't until recently (and with repeated reminders from my mom) that I really learned to take time to tune into the very minute you are living.  These are the details.  These are the moments squeezing limes with Deni and Rosaline in the kitchen.  These details are the contagious giggles from Elemnia at Tree of Life as she swings like only a child can swing.  Dreaming big is important but please don't forget that  god is working in the small details of our lives.  Pay attention.  


"Ordinary folks are people who do extraordinary things for God."  
The idea of endurance was running rampant in this example.  God is really trying to get it through my head that little by little we all add to something extraordinary.  Again, this is hard when you dream big and just wish you could wave a magic wand and make life glorious for all people.  Haitians have a saying "tipa tipa"  which means little by little.  This is my new prayer.  I pray that little by little god will reveal a plan to me.  I pray that little by little god will work in me to know how I can best serve.  I pray that little by little god will restore and reveal hope to the people of Haiti.  I pray little by little that the Haitians I know can see their dreams come to fruition.    I pray that little by little our pride and interest in solving other people's problems will not overcome our ability to empower a problem solving partnership.  I pray to continue to be an ordinary person doing extraordinary things for god.