Where's the Zeal?

The other day I sat down at my table and, like I do before just about every update, I pulled out a blank sheet of paper and started going through my calendar and journal to see what happened since I last wrote; what stands out?  Writing down the highlights and lowlights and then taking some time to pray about what to share.  This time the list was kind of dull, I thought “do people really want to hear about all the meetings, conferences, trainings, meetings, retreats, meetings, administrative responsibilities and dare I mention *smirk*… the meetings that I’ve participated in, led, and helped develop?”  Perhaps…but I don’t want to tell you about them!  Heehee!  Instead, I decided that with all the stresses, fear, negativity and just disappointments  I would take the time to make a list of things I love, a gratitude list, if you will – one thing for everyday until Christmas!   Initially, my intention was to share it with you, but as I wrote and wrote… and wrote and wrote, I looked back and thought that while I’m very happy to share with anyone and everyone things that I am grateful for it could be nice to give you the chance to make your own list – instead of reading mine.  What are you grateful for?  What are 3 good things that have happened this past week?  What is worth celebrating? 

Celebrating?! Kayla aren’t you aware we’re in a pandemic, we’re locked up, our hands are tied, people keep telling us what we can and cannot do… this is a nightmare and not worthy of celebration!!

Yes,  we are in a less than ideal time.  Yes, there are plenty of reasons to have a case of the sads, the grumpies, the bitters… but also, through these things reasons for joy, hope and community have emerged!  Now this is by no means a shame on you for having some rough times, mental health is important and I too go through the different stages of grief on quite a regular basis.  I have beat myself up for feeling sad and bored while people have literally lost all their belongings in hurricanes, have lost loved ones, don’t have a safe place to go, are displaced, don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.  Even thinking about it now, my heart breaks.  I wish I could fix everything, help everyone and basically make everything better…but spoiler alert… I can’t.  I’m not God and this isn’t heaven.  Things will never be perfect here.

People will fail.
There will be injustice.

However, does that mean we throw in the towel and call it quits?! …. Yes!?…..kidding!  NO!! Of course not!!

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer!” - Romans 12:10-15

It is easy to feel kicked around, beat up, exhausted and discouraged - especially this year!  Certain coping techniques and outlets for stress and frustrations aren’t available, so how am I supposed to be joyful, keep my fervour and not lose my zeal? 

By loving on others!  How could you honour someone else today? 

I have reflected on the difference a year can make,  365 days ago, I was in a very different place – physically.  However, emotionally, spiritually I can see how what I experienced and foundations that were laid  have helped me during this time.  Hindsight is 2020 and I already know that when we look back we will see the blessings that have been poured out in this mind boggling, heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster of a year! 

On that note, here are 3 good things that have happened this last week:

1. I now have a bike!  It belongs to the agency but I’m the caretaker and sole rider at the moment!
2. I got to spend like 2 hours talking to my grandparents the other night, and grandpa’s hearing aids were working perfectly!  I didn’t even have to raise my voice for him to hear me once! (Usually, I have to yell into the phone for him to hear me)
3. My mum’s Annual Baking Fundraiser has started!!! It’s always really encouraging for me to see all the response and support.  It makes me feel so loved and excited about what God is doing, how He works and just generally I’m happy people get to enjoy the delicious goodies made with love.  The first year my mum started it, she didn’t mention anything about it until she called me to tell me she was putting  a little something extra into my account!  Now many of you know, I absolutely adore (good) surprises!  The downside with loving them so much, is that I’m constantly thinking about them, aware of surprise opportunities/possibilities!  This makes pulling one over on me very difficult!  However, she got me good, it was a 2 x 1 surprise; I was completely blindsided (in the best way! – made me cry, I felt so loved!)  AND I got a little extra boost in the funding department!   If you are interested in checking out the order form click the link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/203869554553757 check out our Facebook group where there are some pictures and info on how it all works!

Prayer:

• Central America and parts of South America were hit by 2 hurricanes last month.  People who have already lost family members, community, and supplies were further displaced.  The damage is gut wrenching!
• For deep rest,  I have been struggling with sleeping well.
• We have a family coming out on Stride, Lord willing, mid February.  I would appreciate prayer for wisdom so I can do all the prep work.  The family is coming with 2 small children and one in the oven!  So it will be exciting and definitely something new for me, the learning curve will be steep I’m sure!  I am excited and a tiny bit nervous.
• Discernment would be great as I look into moving my blog to a more updated platform.  The factors are different now, and change is almost always hard.  Pray for strength, haha, nd decisivness.  It seems silly to ask for prayer about this, but I sensed I should so there it is :)