One World

“We’re all a part of one world, we all can share the same dream and if you just reach out to me then you will find deep down inside I’m just like you.”

These lyrics from my crazy PBS love fest with Celtic Women have been playing on repeat in my head for the past few days.  It is funny how I get messages at the right time in the right way.  Truth is we are a part of one world, truth is we do share similar dreams – good health, love, family, prosperity whatever it may look like and assurance that we matter.   

For a long time now I have known that I am here on this earth to nurture people.  I have been blessed with patience and the desire to listen and encourage others to make their own way in the world.  As I sit here in Haiti with the sun shining and a lovely breeze blowing I realize that those gifts are to be used here as well.  I have had the honor to get to know several Haitians with great hearts, great ideas and great connections.  I have discovered, they don’t need me all the time, just like my colleagues at work, or friends and family across the globe.  Turns out I don’t have to choose…I have been blessed beyond belief to be able to serve in so many ways.  What a welcomed change of perspective – and it only took two years!   

I think people crave purpose, they search for belonging, they want to be utilized and appreciated in their communities.  They want to know that their life matters and see their gifts put to use.  That’s what I get to do here.  Even if it seems painfully slow and awfully trivial to help one group of teachers, their training and professional development will impact loads of kids in their schools and in turn, create better communities in the future. 

So that’s it, deep down inside that connection, that sense of purpose, that feeling a part of something bigger than you wins, hands down, no matter where you are.  

clarity

I know I have not done the best at keeping in touch with god.  I am guilty and have missed out on conversations I could have had.  But we cannot dwell on the past, only move forward with hearts and souls open to whatever god desires of us.  A common prayer that I have been lifting up during the past six months is for clarity.  The interesting thing is, it is not specific to any one thing but everything.  An affirmation that the choices I am making, the life I am leading, is truly what god has designed for me.  I have this need to know that I am not getting in the way.  On some levels, that seems like I am trying to micromanage god (something I don’t like in the workplace or in the mission field).  It feels like undermining the one who has gone before me, has created me, and who is always working and living through me.  On the other hand, it brings a real intentionality to how I choose to live my life, who I chose to share it with and what I can learn in the process.  I used to think there would be some magical signpost, illuminating “my path” and solidifying that I was on the right track.  Most of the time I let my gut and rational thought help out.  There are times when I have felt that overwhelming since of peace wash over me that lets me know this is right for right now.  My dad asked me this morning on our way to the airport if I was nervous or anxious or if traveling to Haiti was just old hat.  I could honestly answer, “no” I am not anxious, or nervous, but thinking about I now, it is not because I have been here before.  It’s because I truly believe in a god that is with me all the time, protecting me, supporting me and allowing me to be a part of life happening right now.  A friend of mine reminded me of this with Joshua 1:9 tonight, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Being kind, loving and empowering to others is not hard and it is what god has called me to do.  I happen to be so fortunate to do it many places around the world.  And although it seems simple, that is god’s plan for me, so I guess I am not really getting in the way…