One thing that this pandemic has taught me...more than ever before is to slow down and find joy in the little things...the simple things...the things that may cost very little...but bring great joy and peace to my life!
This is something that God had been trying to teach me for a long time...but I have always been too busy serving to listen...until last October when God called me to a new ministry.
I won't lie...resigning in December and leaving my position as Children's Director was hard.
When you are called to work with children...it doesn't end when you walk out the door. It is a process...and probably always will be!
I have to hang onto the promise that "If God has called me to it...He will help me through it".
By being obedient to His call, I must now trust that God has a plan...He has a purpose...and that all things will work together for His glory!
One of the hardest parts...other than leaving the children behind...is "time". What will I do with all of my time?
As Children's leaders, you know that there is NEVER enough time. You also know that there is little or no time to spend on yourself.
So when you just STOP your ministry...what do you do with all of your time?
First of all...DON'T start looking for new ministry opportunities to fill the void.
Take advantage of this moment. Rest, enjoy your time, spend time on yourself...and by yourself.
Wait, pray, and allow God to open the right doors.
If God has already called you to a new ministry...and you feel you have extra time to serve in other areas...DON'T!
Work on the ministry that God has called you to. Pour your time into your "called" ministry. Grow it...nurture it...build it. And if you have a little extra time for yourself...take it!
In February, I was starting to adjust to my new slower-paced ministry...I was also considering adding to my ministry load when out of the blue...the pandemic hit.
Another slowdown moment.
A surprise for sure...but not for God!
February, March, April, May...I think I am enjoying this time of rest.
Each day breaths new...and exciting adventure into my life.
God is opening new doors...new opportunities...new interest...but I am learning to open them slowly...instead of throwing them wide open without careful thought.
God is growing a new ministry through me...it is enough...I am enough.
I have found joy in the simple pleasures of life.
I have enjoyed watching each new flower bloom and each new plant poke it's head up from the soil in my garden. I have enjoyed the drive by's from my children and grandchildren, the visits with my mom under her shade tree, the birds singing and the deer running across my lawn. I have enjoyed the extra time with my husband, although we have worked together (from our home) for many years.
I have enjoyed trying new things...like making dandelion jelly and sweet potato butter...along with pineapple rhubarb jelly, and macrame plant hangers.
But most of all, I have enjoyed spending time with God. In my garden...in my flower beds...on my front porch...even standing in the middle of the yard...while listening to music...and praising Him!
And right in the middle of it all...God is building a new ministry!
Simple...pleasures!
Finding joy...in small things!
Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Ecclesiastes 5:18
I have lifted each of you up to the Father this morning.
I pray God's blessings upon you!
May you find your own joy....your own simple pleasures...in unexpected places today!