Practice of the Presence of God

The whole world seems to me no longer real; all that my outward eyes behold pass like fantasies and dreams. That which I see with the eyes of the soul is what alone I long for, and to be not yet in the possession of my heart’s desire brings to me sorrow and drooping of spirit. On the other hand dazzled by the brightness of the Sun of Righteousness, the Scatterer of the shades of night and, on the other, with eyes dimmed by my own sin, I feel at times as if I were beside myself. And yet, I make it my ordinary business to abide in the Presence of God with the humility of a useless, though a faithful servant.

-Brother Lawrence-

Free Willy!!

After another week of chores, all of the girls had improved! So… they got to watch a movie, Free Willy. As we were all sitting there watching, I almost forgot where I was. Then it hit me… I’m in KENYA, watching a movie with 12 wonderfully, beautiful orphans. WOW! I choked back the tears that are coming so freely now. It seems I finally realized how crazy life is, a paradox, I suppose. I have more than my share of a loving, caring family, and these girls still questions whether or not they belong anywhere. I’ve questioned this week if my expectations of love are unfounded scripturally. Is it wrong to expect them to hug, kiss, and actively love on the girls? I have decided the answer is no! In John’s writings alone, the love of Christ is emphasized continuously. And time and time again, the Father’s love is expressed in actions of love. It’s not cultural, it’s Christian. Oh, if only I knew how to teach that or express that without offending. I pray, Lord, that you offer wisdom in breaking the mold, that I may be empowered by your strength against resistance, and above all, that your love for me may overflow in abundant measures into the lives of those around me.

The sweetest moment came at the end of the movie, when I turned the lights on and found tears on Jane’s cheek. Her sweet, tender heart! Thank you Lord for glimpses of you in these children!