Depth in the Distance

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."-Meister Eckhart

As I watched the sun set on my time in Cabo with a few friends, I thought of all the many people I had come to know and love during my stay. The great distance I had traveled had led me to great depth, and I had found a wealth of relationships during my stay. Luis, Andres, Jose Luis, Nestor, Roberto, Blanca, Mari, Carlos, Thomas, Isaias, Jimena, Elisa, Israel, Alejandro; these names (and many more) represent the body of Christ in Cabo and men and women that welcomed me, loved me, and befriended me. For the short month I was with them, these believers allowed me to share in their lives and their Church. Crossing the distance of miles, culture, and language I found depth with these men and women as the love of Christ forged between us a bond that crossed any barrier in its path. As my time wained with these brothers and sisters, I did my best to thank them through the hugs, blessings, and tears. Saying my goodbyes, each and everyone called me their brother and this greatly warmed my heart. Acknowledging me as one of their family surpassed any superficially feeling of acceptance and belonging because it meant that I had carried out my aim to love and serve them. I am greatly thankful for these brothers and sisters and the way in which the light of Christ shone through them.
During my stay I learned many valuable lessons and I would like to share just one that I hope can encourage you as it has me. Psalm 46:10 beckons us to "be still and know that I am God." Removed from some of my responsibilities and pressures back home, I was better able to find stillness and know Him a little more fully and these experiences were amazing. Heading back to Wheaton, the FCA summer ministry, work, and many other responsibilities await but I do not want to let them distract me from my greatest responsibility--to know the Lord. Just as a calm and still lake better reflects the light of the sun, I do not want to let busyness churn the waters of my soul and take away from my ability to reflect the light of Christ.
Looking back on my time in Cabo my prayer is one of thankfulness but as the sun sets on that chapter and begins to rise on the next I remain thankful for all that God has in store for FCA this summer. The distance may be less to be with the kids but I will seek depth with them and aim to deepen their knowledge of the Father who loves them. With all this in mind I begin the next phase of the summer thankful, and I hope it will be enough.