In times like these, I remind myself of the Martha and Mary verse:
Luke 10:38-42
New International Version (NIV)
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
In all the flurry of preparations for the trip - I need to pull myself back and remember what we're doing and why we're taking this trip. We're going on a Mission Trip. We're going to do good things for God, to glorify him; we're going to spend time together working and having fun - coming together and bonding as a Youth Group; and we're going to do devotions (both personal and in groups) to learn and reflect on his word.
Lots of preparation goes in to these Trips, not just in the couple weeks before and not just by me. There are so many people who have attended our fundraisers and are supporting us financially on this trip; Ministers and church employees that go the extra mile to help us organize the trip; Pearl and Patti (our adopted Grandmothers); parents who help organize and cook, etc. etc. They have all given of themselves and in a sense are going with us on this trip. Without them - none of this would be possible.
We recently had a sermon that discussed being spiritual vs being religious. To me, being spiritual means you believe in God - but chose not to commit to any one congregation. Being religious, and by making that committment to a congregation, gives us each an additional faith opportunity. Without a congregation supporting us, this Mission Trip wouldn't happen. It's wonderful to have a close, personal relationship with God - but with a congregation you have scheduled time to specifically discuss, explore, consider and reflect on his word. You have people to challenge you, present new ideas and push you to grow in your faith. You also have a support system.
We plan to do good things for God and to learn and grow in our faith. Thank you all for your support for this Mission Trip.
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