2013 - A Year in Review
#CFCYouthNALS 20 Day Witness Challenge: Day 5 |
I am moved because He moves me through them. I am loved because He loves me through them. I love because He is alive within them. #CFCYs2 (via instagram)Dear Surrey Two,
The CFC-Youth 2013 North American Leaders Summit (this was where people planned for the next 5 years of CFC-Y) had a 20 Day Witness Challenge on social media. On the 5th day, we were challenged to post about our current service role. This one made me feel a little uncomfortable (I even almost skipped out on it) as I was still unsure as to how I felt about my service role. I acknowledged what I was called to, but feared the title itself would get to my head. Eventually I knew it wouldn't cause me pride and that what I was really afraid of was letting you down. I was being called to play a part that was greater than myself, something I subconsciously deemed myself incapable of.
But here's the thing: we are called to things greater than ourselves because we cannot attain greatness by ourselves.
One of the many things I learned last year is the importance of carrying out everything "through Him, with Him, and in Him" first. It really makes all the difference, especially when things are either menial, challenging, repetitive, or just straight up something you don't want to do. Making everything I do both inside and outside of the community for God has taught me the value of loving selflessly. It's so hard to do anything when you complain about everything, but once you put Him into the picture it's easier to see the value of your actions. I saw a picture of a slide from last Saturday's CO that says "unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery." If this is true and God is love, then what is our work without God? When people tell you to pray before doing anything, know that they mean it.
Secondly, I learned to cherish the household. Sure, you may feel like you were thrown into a group of people who don't even know the "real you" -- but know that I was too. We all were and all will be. But open up; they'll surprise you. And if they don't, surprise them. Love doesn't grow on idleness, it requires initiative. If we don't make any effort with the people we have been blessed to love, we'll miss out on a lot of Love. Regardless of the situation within your household, know that it will play a part in your growth. Last year I often felt like I had to endure things on my own so I could grow independently. I figured I was stronger on my own but just ended up feeling lonely and weak. I opened up to my household head one day and have been ever since. And now that I think about it more, I realize that the Lord has been carrying me through her. There is strength in community, so never let yourself be afraid to become a part of one.
With this new year, I invite you to join me in striving for greatness with the Lord, our households, our families and this community.
One of the many things I learned last year is the importance of carrying out everything "through Him, with Him, and in Him" first. It really makes all the difference, especially when things are either menial, challenging, repetitive, or just straight up something you don't want to do. Making everything I do both inside and outside of the community for God has taught me the value of loving selflessly. It's so hard to do anything when you complain about everything, but once you put Him into the picture it's easier to see the value of your actions. I saw a picture of a slide from last Saturday's CO that says "unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery." If this is true and God is love, then what is our work without God? When people tell you to pray before doing anything, know that they mean it.
Secondly, I learned to cherish the household. Sure, you may feel like you were thrown into a group of people who don't even know the "real you" -- but know that I was too. We all were and all will be. But open up; they'll surprise you. And if they don't, surprise them. Love doesn't grow on idleness, it requires initiative. If we don't make any effort with the people we have been blessed to love, we'll miss out on a lot of Love. Regardless of the situation within your household, know that it will play a part in your growth. Last year I often felt like I had to endure things on my own so I could grow independently. I figured I was stronger on my own but just ended up feeling lonely and weak. I opened up to my household head one day and have been ever since. And now that I think about it more, I realize that the Lord has been carrying me through her. There is strength in community, so never let yourself be afraid to become a part of one.
With this new year, I invite you to join me in striving for greatness with the Lord, our households, our families and this community.
Here's to all the joy we shared last year and to all that's headed our way.
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