July.
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
I don't know what to say.
That sentence echoed through my mind a whole lot in July.
At the beginning of the month I recognized that God was calling me out on how self-centered I've been. I'd say about 87% (a rough estimate) of what I was thinking about and doing was focused on myself. It was not very cool. God graciously exposed that bad behavior, and like any good teacher, gave me the chance to practice what He wanted me to do instead: think about the needs of other people.
As the Lord pulled me out of my selfishness, I actually started feeling really healthy, both spiritually and mentally! It's amazing how clearly you can see when you get out of your head and look at the world around you. It was almost like waking up!
Unfortunately, while I felt absolutely fantastic, it was quickly evident that some of the people around me... well... did not feel absolutely fantastic. Some of my friends, were (and still are) having deep family struggles. You might remember my mid-July prayer request. God showed me right away that while I couldn't take their burdens away, I needed to help my brothers and sisters carry them.
In July God gave me strength and took away my burdens so that I would be ready to lift up people around me. And that looked like inviting people over, being invited over, getting dinner or smoothies together, watching movies, A LOT of listening, and A LOT of praying. Oh yeah, and also A LOT of "I don't know what to say."
Anyways...
July Highlights
God gave me the chance to go on a beach trip all by myself for a few days to get some deep rest and connect with the Lord. It was a fun little blessing to find that the car I rented, as well as the apartment I stayed in were both orange! Completely unintentional!
In the DR they celebrate birthdays with big ol' birthday candles that are basically sparklers, so we celebrated the birthday of the US with Dominican "fireworks"!
You should know I have a new international phone number. My old US number is no longer active.
If you'd ever like to keep in touch by texting or calling you can reach me at (319) 409-2090.
My Question for YOU!
God has been so good. July was a wonderful month with unique challenges and lots of little blessings.
What's a unique challenge or little blessing God has shown you recently?
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