She shared with us her vision for the women's retreat and then we all had a dinner of Chinese food. Now I realize that this was not authentic to what we will be eating in Taiwan, but I ate a few things I normally wouldn't choose to eat, and it was OK. We ate everything with chopsticks too, and I even handled that pretty well. Renee was telling us some of the things they had to eat over there, and I'm actually even a little excited to try some of them believe it or not. It sounds like I will be A-OK on the breakfast food, so if all else fails, I will just pig out each morning and hope it carries me through the day :)
Renee also shared with us about her vision for the women's retreat. She said that God had given her a clear direction that He wanted us to share with these women joy more than anything because it is something they know so little about and need so desperately. I really am starting to "feel" the trip now instead of it just being an idea. Love on these women and show them the joy of Christ. Something I should be able to do. BUT.....
I had a really rough weekend. Really, it was lot of little things, but they all started adding up. Nathaniel fell and bumped his head at pre-school so I had to take him for 2 days to the hematology clinic downtown, we had a terribly busy weekend, someone hit our van and it wouldn't run, Dakota is struggling in school, and so on and so on. It hit me this afternoon how I was allowing all of these things to rob me of my joy and it was my choice to do so. How am I going to stand in front of hurting women and tell them of the JOY that God can bring into their lives when minor things leave me joyless? I need a serious attitude adjustment!
Joy is something that should not be fleeting. It is not an emotion...that's happiness. Joy is something that comes when you are being filled by the Spirit, and I am so guilty of not following the last few days. God has given me so many blessings, even in this aggravating weekend. Nathaniel was not hurt and got to enjoy a wonderful Christmas party at the clinic. Our busy weekend consisted of several parties, a concert, a birthday celebration, and work (which is helping me pay for Christmas and this trip)...all good things. The accident was minor, no one was hurt, and we already have a rental and the car is being repaired at no expense to us. While Dakota is struggling, he is a beautiful, bright boy, and he is learning some lessons now that will make him a stronger adult.
But you know what....even if nothing was going right in my life (and really, so much is), I can and should STILL have joy! I have Jesus as my Savior. That alone means everything! So, today (this evening, anyway...the morning I didn't do so good), I am surrendering MY nature and going to be filled with HIM. I desire to live in joy! Pray for me........I want so much to be of service to the ladies in Taiwan and have the right attitide, but even more so do I want to be pleasing to God.
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
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