Ensenada - Day Two : Digging Deep
Sunday was very much a day of regrouping, resting and readying ourselves for the week ahead. We began the day going to one of three local churches. We each found ourselves warmly welcomed into these wonderful communities. While few words were understood by each other, what we shared was a love of God, a relationship with Jesus, and a desire to spend time in worship together.
The afternoon was ours to use as we wish and I appreciated the chance to just breath in, and prepare not just for the physical labor but more importantly for the emotional and spiritual challenge that I know the next week will present.
Building a home for a family is a wonderful thing; the sense of excitement as the house comes together is so precious. But a week like this always goes so much deeper; it digs into our emotions, our thoughts, values, feelings and attitudes; it examines us and challenges us to determine what really matters.
Jesus asked those questions, and answered them with a remarkable perspective on what matters. His first teaching went like this:
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
for they will inherit the whole earth.”
Here in Ensenada, I understand these words more clearly. The week ahead of building, serving, living together in community will strip away the things that I all too easily “think” are important. This week I know will dig deep into my soul and examine me, and I welcome it, I truly welcome it.
July 26th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
So good to hear you all made it safely, and great to hear updates on how your week is going! We’ll be praying for you throughout the week…