The meetings have concluded and we begin the slow process of sharing insights as they come. This time is important. It is the space where our minds move from “packed to full” to clarity. It is making time for the Spirit to add wisdom to our information. It is the time for the Spirit to bring discernment into the ideas, plans, hopes, fears, dreams, visions and realities. It has taken me a long time to appreciate the importance of this space. It is God’s space. It is the place that requires humility and acceptance that our role is to seek and follow our Creator. Period. We don’t determine where, when, or how. We simply choose to listen, seek God, and then follow whatever the Spirit leads. And it’s on God’s time, not ours.
The confessional part of the journey as a disciple requires me to say, “and it is so easy for me to feel led in directions I already want to go!” Of course! That is why sharing helps us to hear what God is speaking. That is why allowing time and space for God to guide is the way of a disciple. Themes begin to rise. Directions begin to align. Our minds, hearts and spirits come together and peace sets into the soil that God is planting. There have been many places I did not want to go, but when I realized God was nudging me I knew saying “yes” was the only response. Those particular “yes” responses have given me a life that is beyond anything I ever imagined. My faith is so weak, and yet, God is so faithful!
Having the Rachels and Steve here is wonderful. They are each gifted in a different way so they offer insight that is helpful and sharpening. That is the community of faith at work. This little “unexpected Guatemala Team” was assembled by stirrings in each person’s spirit. As we walk through each experience (they have had a LOT to take in!) they have all been open to listen and engage completely. I am so grateful. It reminds me this morning of Proverbs 27:17 which says, “iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens another.”
<As Steve was preparing for the meeting with the Executive Committee he was reminded of a Scripture. It is a teaching of Christ: "Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am with them." (Matthew 18:20). Rachel W. also had a Scripture that kept rising up in her mind. It is a teaching of the prophet Isaiah: "Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:17) And so…we welcome this holy space of now. May God grow our hearts to be humble and teachable in this place.
Let it be.
Life in the Deep End 
This has so resonated in my heart this morning…..thank you for getting it down in black and white…helps me become clearer in my mind and spirit. Tiki is sitting in Dicks chair…right next to mine as we share our ‘quiet time’! Blessings daughter dear!