I wanted to give you a glimpse into what it looks like for us in these long beautiful summer days. For our YWAM location, summer takes on a slightly different schedule. With the change in schedule comes an opportunity to take an intentional time to pause and reflect on what God has done. As we sat down to do this, it was quite apparent that there was a long list of ways we saw God at work, especially considering the change that we have all seen during this pandemic.
Our first reflection this year included an immediate reminder that our Creator is an extravagant provider, faithful even when we do not understand what is happening in our world. It was an astonishing reminder of hope. A reminder that in 2020, God is at work bringing beauty from chaos, and we can put our faith in Him.
Our second reflection takes us back to a scripture that profoundly impacts all we do. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gives the greatest commandment "To Love God and Love Others." In this, we see the importance of relationships. Witnessing the beauty of this the last few months has brought value in such a tangible way. Hope happens when created, and the Creator meet where that intersection then impacts the relationship between all created things. Through meeting people at a distance from their doorways with food or water, meeting each other with genuine care for their well being in the midst of such bizarre times.
The 3rd reflection is something that seems to be a national, maybe even global awakening. The beauty of creation...... never before have I witnessed so many people taking time to enjoy nature in the same ways. I, too, have been caught up in the wonder of it all. I genuinely believe this brings the Creator joy, to see His creation enjoying each other and beginning to realize the effect that we have on each other. I hope to see this continue in myself for sure, and my prayer is for it to have a global impact honouring all created things and honouring the One who created it all.
I want to leave you with two things. First, if you haven’t already taken the time to reflect on the last few months, definitely do it! I believe it will be time well spent. Ask God what He wants you to know about Him through it and see what happens. And lastly, I would like to share this quote by John Burroughs and encourage you to take to time to reconnect with your Creator.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed and have my senses put in tune once more.”
Steph,
