The first retreat is over and I have finally had more than five minutes to take in what my life will be like for the next 9 months. Right now I am sitting on the front porch of the main lodge at camp, which is also my residence (there is an apartment upstairs that the Program Assistants live in), and I am looking across the valley at a mountain range that has had me in awe since coming here. I can't believe I get to wake up every morning looking at mountains (my bedroom looks out to the same mountain range).
I am currently reading numerous books, but today I have been reading from 'Sex God' by Rob Bell, and in one portion of the chapter he talks about lust and thankfulness: "There's so much to enjoy, and yet we fixate on something we don't have. This is why gratitude is so central to the life God made us for. Until we can center ourselves on what we do have, on what God has given us, on the life we do get to live, we'll constantly be looking for another life. That is why the word remember occurs again and again in the Bible. God commands his people to remember who they are, where they've been, what they've seen, what's been done for them. If we stop remembering, we may forget. And that's when the trouble comes," (pg. 74). This paragraph got me to thinking about my past and my future. Everything good that has happened has molded me into who I am, and the same goes for the bad. And I am thankful for those experiences because of where they have bought me. THey brought me to a place in Colorado where I am surrounded by mountains, where I am 45 minutes from the nearest Walmart, where cell phone service works on the front porch if it is a clear day, where it rains almost every afternoon for about an hour, where I will still get snow days even though I live just up the stairs from work, where I get to see the sunrise over the mountains every morning, and where my breath is taken away by the majesty of the Creator. And as for my future, the possibilities seem endless, and that is exciting!
Well, those are my deep thoughts for the day. I don't know how many people are actually going to read this, but thank you to those that are. Every one of you have aided in molding me into the person I am today. I love you.
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4 comments:
You continually amaze me with your insights! I too, cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. Yes, even if it involves Africa! Love you lots!
Hi Jess, I'm glad to hear that things are going well. I am jealous that you get to look at mountains everyday. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your adventures.
Also I'd like to know what is is about Rob Bell's writings you enjoy. I personally have some serious concerns about his and other emergent's theology especially concerning sin, repentance and the doctrine of hell.
We miss you already at FMSC. I hope that God's Word comes alive for you in Colorado. Talk to you soon.
Your Brother in Christ,
Steve
PS you can contact me at skrieg@integra.net
Speaking of being thankful and remembering, I am thankful for people like you in my life that remind me how beautiful and peaceful this world can be. I can close my eyes and picture your setting and it makes me have hope for this crazed world we live in. Thank you for bringing that memory back to me. You are in my prayers as always!
i too enjoy rob bell and think it's about time people learned of the Father's love for us...i think humans know how "wretched" we are without having someone need to preach it--we turn to our Saviour...and this is a time of grace. I'm getting a lot out of the book SexGod as well. Love you!
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