I sit here in my living room, sipping on a cream soda, reflecting on all
that the Lord has done. When I returned to Colorado in May, my emotions were on
a high. I was happy to see my family and friends, but I was sadder because I
had just left my Khmer family and my IGNITE class. I honestly didn’t want to be
back. Besides the fact of my family and friends and completing the IGNITE
program, my thoughts were, “I have nothing keeping me here.” Yet, I knew the
Lord was going to have me here for a season. And what a wonderful, blessed
season it has been!
It started off really difficult, I was just kind of on my own and in another waiting period. I was frustrated and I felt like I didn’t have a place here. As time went on, I was given more and more tasks and I was getting plugged in at church again. The Lord was changing my heart, teaching me lessons, and using me in ways that I still don’t understand.
Photo Credit: Natalie Garrett |
It’s beautiful that the Lord reminds me time and time again, that it isn’t me, but all Him, and I must trust Him! God surrounded me with friends and mentors, old and new; brothers and sisters in Christ, that encouraged and blessed me this whole season. And I pray, despite new seasons beginning for all of us, that we can stay connected in such a way as this, although I know it will be different. I am just blessed to know that it’s Christ that connects us.
We ended our summer with cliff jumping at Paradise Cove and a bonfire. As we were seated around the fire, snacking on pizza and watermelon, guitars strummed, voices sang to our Creator, and I couldn’t help but bask in the moment. Mesmerized by the flames, I thought, “I am thankful for such a time as this.” A time that I am never going to get back. It may be manifested in a different way in the future, but it will never be the same. And I was taken back to the closing season in Cambodia, when I realized that same thing. As I continue on this journey the Lord has for me, each season has its gifts. I see now, in those moments when time slows down and you’re surrounded by those you call family, you can’t take it back, you can’t recreate it, you can just seek the Lord and rejoice in it. Eucharisteo.
Thank you so much for sharing here, Brittani! I love reading how God used you here with us over the summer. The fire you carry is contagious and inspiring, and it's beautiful to see the love of God consuming you. I was blessed to have you serve with us, and I can't wait to see how God uses you in this next chapter.
ReplyDeleteLove you lots, looking forward to keeping up with you here!
-natalie
I'm so glad you got to read it! This summer was a true blessing and gift from the Lord! Thanks so much, Natalie! You guys are such awesome examples and I love each of you. I look forward to seeing you guys at Christmas! Keep me updated on things! Love you! ❤️
Delete-Brittani