I came to China a little less than 2 weeks before my 25th birthday. I was so overwhelmed with acclimating, teaching, and the new things around me, that I didn't really think too much about it. (Not that I normally care very much for celebrating my birthday to begin with.) In any case, my friends did not forget my day.
I taught class, thinking that little else would happen that day. I would go home, find some food, and settle in to sleep. However, my friend and her family had other plans. They took me to this wonderful hotel downtown. On the 17th floor of the hotel there's a restaurant that revolves, giving a beautiful look at the city lights in the evening. (It has a mixture of Chinese food and Western food: pizza, rice, dumplings, salad, chicken wings, soup, etc. It is wonderful and quickly became my favorite place to eat.)
After having a meal together, we came back to the apartment and had cake with a couple of other friends at which time they presented me with gifts. I was so surprised. I hadn't expected such generosity at all. Homemade cards, chocolate, and a sweet necklace. It was a wonderful time and I felt so cherished even far away from home.
That day I spent some time in the Word and the Father reminded me: Matthew 6:25-34. Our Father created all things and takes care of all things. The birds don't gather and save, yet they are always fed.
The lilies of the field don't toil or spin, and yet they are beautifully clothed.
We can't add an hour to our lives by worrying.
If the Father takes care of the animals and plants so well, how much better will He take care of us, His children?
Don't worry and seek after these things as others do. Abba knows what we need. So seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and He will take care of you.
What a wonderful reminder that was for me as I settled into a place I had never known before, doing a job I was only recently prepared for, encountering things I didn't know anything about.
And it is a reminder I needed again today, as I think about my future and make plans for another school year.
Abba, I place my life in the very palm of Your hand. You know everything about me. I thank You for taking care of all my needs, many times even before I have reason to ask. I know I need You day by day to give me Your grace, peace, and a love that always shines the light of You. Help me not to worry about my needs, but instead to learn to trust You in every part of my life. Thank You, Abba.
I taught class, thinking that little else would happen that day. I would go home, find some food, and settle in to sleep. However, my friend and her family had other plans. They took me to this wonderful hotel downtown. On the 17th floor of the hotel there's a restaurant that revolves, giving a beautiful look at the city lights in the evening. (It has a mixture of Chinese food and Western food: pizza, rice, dumplings, salad, chicken wings, soup, etc. It is wonderful and quickly became my favorite place to eat.)
After having a meal together, we came back to the apartment and had cake with a couple of other friends at which time they presented me with gifts. I was so surprised. I hadn't expected such generosity at all. Homemade cards, chocolate, and a sweet necklace. It was a wonderful time and I felt so cherished even far away from home.
That day I spent some time in the Word and the Father reminded me: Matthew 6:25-34. Our Father created all things and takes care of all things. The birds don't gather and save, yet they are always fed.
The lilies of the field don't toil or spin, and yet they are beautifully clothed.
We can't add an hour to our lives by worrying.
If the Father takes care of the animals and plants so well, how much better will He take care of us, His children?
Don't worry and seek after these things as others do. Abba knows what we need. So seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and He will take care of you.
What a wonderful reminder that was for me as I settled into a place I had never known before, doing a job I was only recently prepared for, encountering things I didn't know anything about.
And it is a reminder I needed again today, as I think about my future and make plans for another school year.
Abba, I place my life in the very palm of Your hand. You know everything about me. I thank You for taking care of all my needs, many times even before I have reason to ask. I know I need You day by day to give me Your grace, peace, and a love that always shines the light of You. Help me not to worry about my needs, but instead to learn to trust You in every part of my life. Thank You, Abba.
Comments
Post a Comment