#27

I just celebrated my 27th birthday and in doing so I've acquired 3+ gray hairs and stress. Yea...how about that for a birthday gift from myself. Don't worry...I'll stop now with the complaining and pity party!

Earlier this week I decided I was going to treat myself to a weekend getaway...solo. Yes, by myself. Earlier this month I went to Houston to visit Phillip, and since he was in training, the majority of my weekend was spent poolside reading. With that short and quiet weekend, not only was I able to read an entire book in less than a day, but I was also able to do a lot of thinking and praying. Not that I can't do all that at home, but it is way different to be out of the routine and be able to just clear my mind and spend hours in quiet time and studying God's word or praying to Him to give me guidance. I came back refreshed and renewed. It was no fancy vacation or anything; I was at a standard hotel airport. The location didn't matter, it was the time. I may be redundant in saying this but that weekend did wonders for me spiritually as well as in my relationships and outlook on my life.

In saying all that...I'm sitting in Houston waiting to board a plane to my destination. I've got two books to read and an open mind asking God to open my heart and renew my spirit as I spend the weekend devoted to spending time in His word and slipping in a little relaxation in there:)

When I got off the plane from Little Rock I was planning on going to Savannah however when I got to the part in the terminal where I was to turn left...I decided to go right. You see, Phillip listed me on a Savannah flight as well as a flight to Kansas City, Missouri. He is working this weekend and his overnight is in Kansas City. I came to a point in the terminal where I had to choose...the cute historic city of Savannah, Georgia with a nearby beach or Kansas City where he would be greeting me at the gate. Yup, I turned right and chose a few extra hours of airport sitting and am Kansas City bound!!! I'm sure I can find a spa somewhere in this city!

Oh, Mercy me!

Before going to Peru, everyone on our team was asked to take a Spiritual Gifts Analysis to find out what our gift is.  Mine:  Showing Mercy and Pastor/Shepherd.  I was pretty much off the charts on mercy, which wasn't a surprise!  I've always found myself being able to show empathy towards others, understand, and/or comfort them.  I love people and I have a huge desire to be there for them.  I try to help in anyway I can, whether it be talking, inviting them to hang out, sharing stories of my past struggles I've overcome (as well as those I still battle with today), and praying for them.  


Recently, I've questioned if I were using my gift properly or "too much".  Can a person go overboard on trying to be there for someone?  Does there come a time where you just stop trying to invest your time or thoughts into someone?  Some say there is.  I, however, don't.  It's hard for me to think about giving up on someone and thinking of them as a "lost cause".  I don't think there is anyone who is a lost cause.  Everyone deserves someone to be there for them.  Again, would you say that is my extreme mercy talking?  


I've been turned down on hangout invites with friends more times in the past 6 months than in my entire 26 (almost 27) years I've been living.  I've dealt with random spurts of being completely ignored and avoided.  I've been told not to waste my time on certain people.  I've felt used.  Yet I still keep trying.  Maybe its time I take a step back, while continuing to pray and give it all to God.


btw, if you haven't done a Spiritual Gift analysis to find out what your spiritual gifts are, you can do it online here:  http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10