As a teacher, my heart gets weary sometimes. Worrying about a child's growth, wondering if they're safe at home, hoping their parents spend at least a little more time with them, listening to their concerns and troubles, giving full attention to their distress, and even caring for their injuries. From riding the ambulance several times to counseling suicidal students, none of it was easy. Actually, it's painful at times. My basic rule is once my student, always my student. Many teachers might agree that we often wonder... if that one student is doing okay now.
As an older sister to other younger sisters or brothers in Christ, I often try to speak meekly, gently, and with grace. It's really hard sometimes seeing some of them making the same mistakes I did, but I still want to be there for them. I also want to do my best to bless them, especially those who are still in school or haven't start working yet. I was once told that if God has placed me in a place to give, I should give the best I can.
As a new small group leader, I'm learning that I am now responsible for each members' spiritual health, help seek or exhort his or her gifts and talents, bless them appropriately when they have needs, give up personal time to pray, and spend time to prepare for each gathering. Other times I must make difficult decisions or be a peacemaker and not a peacekeeper. All sorts of new challenges I did not foresee.
As a worship leader, I try my best to share God's heart, get out of the way, humble myself, push aside my musical pride, bring out the best from each worship team member, pray for each members’ musical gift, select prayerfully from His Word the appropriate songs, prayer, and Bible verses to share. Taking responsibility when things do not go smoothly is another humbling experience.
Planting and giving in faithfulness is not the easiest thing for me, but thankfully, the Spirit is taking care of that. Honestly, God has changed my heart so much in these past 6 years. I'd never imagine myself leading worship nor a small group. And with all my heart and soul, I am extremely thankful for where God has planted me. The people that are blessing me and in return I try to bless them back.
This passage hit me harder than I expected today. I'm deeply amazed by how Christ mentored, counseled, healed, gave, and did so many wonders to bless those he crossed paths with when he walked the earth. May I continue to give and serve based on Christ's modeling of servant leadership.
Prayers, thoughts, updates for December 22, 2018:
- Praises for new small group and for God to continue stretching us during our meetings
- Praises for an amazing first ANF Church retreat
- Pray for me to humble myself more and give better to my colleagues, students, friends, and leaders
- Pray that I can continue to show Christ's love through teaching, music, and serving in Nagoya
Thanks friends :)
- Praises for an amazing first ANF Church retreat
- Pray for me to humble myself more and give better to my colleagues, students, friends, and leaders
- Pray that I can continue to show Christ's love through teaching, music, and serving in Nagoya
Thanks friends :)
