Today I am sitting in the airport at Jo’burg, enjoying my last bottomless coffee at Mugg & Bean (ie. unlimited coffee refills for under $2! Which makes me very happy – and I’m not sure I’m ready to come back to Sydney prices! ;-)) I can’t help but be overwhelmed by how blessed I am to have the opportunity to travel home and visit my family and friends. I do not take it for granted.
During my time in Aus, I will have the opportunity to be involved in so many life moments – my little brother’s wedding, good friend’s birthdays, baby dedications, being able to reconnect with my church and be involved with Missions conference, to meet so many new little babies that have been born since I have been away. I am so thankful.
I had a moment where I reflected this week on the past year, and I honestly had the thought that this past year has been one of the best years of my life so far. And that’s just it. I truly believe that when you follow God and are obedient to where he is calling you that you do indeed find your best and most fulfilling life in him. And don’t get me wrong, there have certainly been tough and challenging moments, maybe some of the toughest of my life to date, and would I choose to live so far away from loved family and friends – no I wouldn’t. But somehow in the midst of being obedient God shows up in ways you do not expect. There is a scripture that I have been reminded of in 1 Samuel 15:22 that speaks of obedience being better than sacrifice, and I believe it is true. There really is nothing better…
Perhaps I can leave you with this thought today – how can you be obedient to what God is asking you to do today? This week? This year? It does not need to be moving to Africa like I have, it could simply be dropping in for a cup of tea with an elderly neighbour who you know is lonely. I believe we all have opportunities in whatever context or stage of life we find ourselves in to be the beautiful feet that are talked about in Isaiah 52:7. Sermon over for today 🙂
My Sydney people – I will see you VERY soon and look forward to being able to catch up with so many of you over the next 5 weeks!