My Summer

When I returned from Chile last Summer, I began making plans for this Summer. Where would I go? Back to Chile? To another nation hungry for Jesus? By January, it was obvious to me that I would be staying home this Summer. I struggled and wrestled with the fact that I have such a heart for missions and reaching the nations for the Kingdom yet God was closing every door for me to leave the country.

How could this be?

After months of arguing with God I gave in. I rested in the promise of a bigger purpose. My prayer went from, "LORD, what nation is it this year? What people will you fuse my heart with?" to, "Father, break my heart for my nation. For my co-workers, the children and families at Ridgeway, those I come into contact with in my day to day routine."

It didn't become easier, but harder. I struggled through sending those that I dearly love overseas. They were going to the very nations I longed for.

My struggle brought me to my knees and my face on a daily basis. (sometimes more) But in a good way. I have grown immensely this Summer. I have discovered what it is like to be romanced by Jesus. I have poured my heart and soul into some wonderful 1st-5th graders. I got to see families enjoy each other. They were not all in their separate areas of the church, but worshipping and playing and just plain enjoying each others company inside the church.

My love and desire for the nations has not subsided. Quite the contrary, it's grown even greater. As I seek direction in the next steps of my journey, I must stay with the mindset to fall in line with the direction the Lord has for my life.

We sang this song in church this morning. It was the inspiration for the title of this blog. It puts into words where I long to stay.

If you would like to see a video that someone has put together, here it is.