Life Rhythms

This past week, my life felt like it was one step off most days. I was out of sync. Have you ever felt that way? No fun to be off rhythm. Maybe it was because I started the week on too little sleep, but I felt off. And when God movements began happening, I struggled to run in and embrace those moments. That then made me mad at myself. When I noticed a cow the other day on the streets that seemed out of step with the rest, I could relate. 

More than ever, I want to be a good steward of my remaining time on planet earth- the breath, the strength, the abilities I have- the relationships I've been blessed with. ALL- I want to maximize in honor of God. And to be ready to climb any mountain or swim any sea or do any kind of jump that God asks me to do.

But to be ready to do that, in reflection, I've noted all the more the importance of having certain patterns or disciplines or rhythms at work in my life- that help me stay ready, flexible, for what's next.

If some of these “life rhythms” aren't going on in my life on a regular basis, I'm quickly OFF beat and can miss God moments- either just to be with Him or to be used as His hands, His feet, His voice, or to be about His work.

I don't want to miss any moment, any opportunity.

There are some key rhythms I know I need to put in place or keep in place. These have not only become apparent here in Africa, but through the years I've learned these patterns I need.

The most important is fellowship with God. If I don't rise early to talk with Him and allow Him to talk to me- well, the whole spiritual dimension of my day- I can be totally oblivious to. My vision becomes shallow and I only see with my natural eyes. If I'm not taking time to nurture this primary love relationship- keeping it foundational- other things are quick to fight for my focus, attention, and loyalty. Relationships take work. And what a privilege to be able to have a relationship with the Most High God. It's a rhythm of communication we can take in, like breathing oxygen, and I need Him so much. I've found through the past several years that God's Word indeed is LIVING. He's talking to us, corporately and individually. It's astonishing. It's like He's blogging or dropping email right into your life, your relationships, your work situations through His Word. He stands ready to stir His Word into your life, your heart, giving you wisdom and direction. It's ours to take or not to. If I'm not spending time with Him, in communication with Him, I quickly get off track. This rhythm is key.  Key to joy, peace, discernment, effectiveness, perspective.

I've noted another rhythm for me personally that I also need is time alone. I'm an introvert that has often been been in extrovert roles. I have to find that “higher ground” or quiet mountainside to retreat to to reflect and re-charge often. 

a "higher ground" view here

I also need good discipline physically as a rhythm. We have a very unique body....an earthly tent that is amazing,  But our unique bodies are also still under the curse of sin and death. There are things I can do to keep this aging-dying “tent” where my spirit is housed - healthy. But this calls for intentional discipline to do my best to keep my house/my “tent” holy, set apart for God, healthy. 

I need to keep-stay clean (which can be challenging in the third world), literally. But I also need to be mindful of what I'm inputting into my earthly tent- what I'm allowing my eyes to look at- watch, listen to, dwell on. We are to be responsible for the “temple” God gave us, inwardly and outwardly. May my temple be a place that honors God.

There are other things I can do to keep my "temple" in good condition. I need to drink enough water. Eat the right foods as well- (which was-is a challenge in the over-processed, deep fried, huge-proportion sized American culture). There are challenges in most cultures with food. In most places, it's not enough food or good nutrition available. Here in Ethiopia, I've come to realize how big our proportion sizes are in the USA. When someone here offers you some “gum”- one stick is split three ways. You don't get a whole pack. When you're invited for a meal, 3 or 4 people share ONE piece of cake or ONE order of french fries. Bunna cup sizes are miniature in comparison to our “venti lattes, etc” of the USA. Proportion sizes are a big thing we overlook. May we only take what we need then share the rest. Our bodies would thank us.

Kristyna, when she was here, sharing food :-)

Intentional exercise is also big. I'm grateful to be in Africa now where exercise is a natural part of the day, walking is the main mode of transport. But with aches and pains and changing metabolism of  the 30's, I've realized I need to do more to stay “fit.” So, I'm trying to learn all I can to do the right stretches and strength building, etc, so I'm ready in all areas to offer God my life and have it be pleasing to Him.

And I need to get enough rest. (definitely easier on this side with less entertainment options available). I need to brush my teeth. So much. :-)

Why should I work hard to pattern all of these into my life? It's good stewardship.

Short-term mission trips have also helped me see some important rhythms Jesus had with his followers and ones I need too. For what God has shown me is your whole life is a mission trip. God doesn't expect you to do one or two trips a year or one every few years, and that's the only time when you live as a follower of Him. Rhythms put into these trips need replicated year round into our lives.

Rhythms like...

• Intentional quiet time (the focus on God)- so important yet again
• Packing light (we get bogged down with things we REALLY don't need)
• Focus on serving
• Living in community (this one is one of the most challenging...sharing space, bathrooms, meals...taking care of each other, challenging each other, living like disciples, shouldn't this be more a part of how we live daily?)
• Awareness of “alien” status (you're aware you're not of that place and are more ready to “give a word” when asked, etc. Yet doesn't the Bible tell us- this world is not our home, we're aliens...???)

I've also noticed that on mission trips I do a lot more observing and reflecting than in “usual days at home.” I look around, take everything in. I debrief my day and think about what God wanted me to learn. Shouldn't we be doing these things every day?

All these things went through my mind this past week as I struggled to get back in a good rhythm.

My Grandpa also came to mind. John Paul Smith, or "Papa" as we called him, passed away in 2008 at the age of 91. For probably his last 12-20 years- he was more than ready to leave this world and check into heaven. My Grandma went on ahead of him and many days I know my Grandpa was lonely. I remember how he loved Bob Evans (restaurant) and how he would often order a pie, a whole one, and that would be his main food for the week. :-) I remembered thinking- when I'm that age, that will be the life. Pie all the time, not having to worry about calories so much. :-) I have many great memories of him. He was hilarious. But more than anything he had rhythms in place in his life that I believe kept him young and fit and God continued to use him in big ways. My Grandpa was always at church serving. He was always in his big chair reading his big Bible. He was always generous with his money. And was intentional about spending time with his family. 

My Grandpa with my Mom

Noel and I with our Papa when we were little

I remember his final weeks on the planet. He was admitted in a hospital and I remember one day he had me bend low so I could hear him. He said- if Jesus doesn't come and get me, you've got to get me out of here Holly. Get your “hot rod” ready. ("hot rod" being his name for  my ford escort, ha ha). He then said, “let's make a move.” He wanted to get back in his rhythms. 

In his last days here, he continued asking Noel and I to read his Bible to him

Later that week, I believe Jesus entered his room and said John, it's time, let's make a move. And I can imagine my Grandpa jumping from his bed and into the arms of the Savior he loved and they walked into his eternal home together.

I'm so grateful for the time we had with John Smith and what we learned from Him. His life had rhythm, even at 91. He laughed. He loved. He served. He gave.

As I continue here in Ethiopia, I'm still trying to put those healthy rhythms in place in my life. May God help me do so in the days ahead.

May I live well, serve well, give well, being mindful that I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.

May I make the most of each moment. May I put rhythms in place that keep me flexible, healthy, focused, joyful, with perspective. So when God says “let's make a move”- I'll be ready.

And may people say of me- wow- her rhythm is interesting. I wonder who who drummer is? :-) Then may I be ready to tell them, show them, serve them, love them because of the one who loves me.

May we all do that for Him, keeping His words in mind...

Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 4:7-8

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 5:8-11

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

PRAISES

My sister and her Czech friend Petra arrived safely in California and have had a great week there speaking at different churches. They are winding down their time there this weekend.

I was able to do the “drama” in my two remaining classes for 42 students. It was very well received and I trust God will water that seed in His time.

Tests were completely by our students this week and they did their best. I think it was a good measure of student's levels in English, though it was a more difficult exam.

I wasn't feeling well and felt off beat but feel better now.

PRAYER REQUESTS

That all the healthy rhythms needed will be put in place here

For my financial and prayer support team and its strengthening

For students as they wrap up this first semester, finals are the week after next

For the staff, that we can finish the semester well

For a Bible study-prayer time some of the staff and my neighbors are trying to start- that it will get off the ground.

For some of my fellow Ethiopians serving in the area and some of the challenges they're facing in work and ministry- that God's hand will move on their behalf

For my family- keep my parents in prayer, they're a blessing! Also pray for my sister and Petra as they finish their time in California and head back to the Czech Republic on Monday.  I'm so grateful for my family.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership. So grateful to be with you on the journey!!!

May we all move in healthy rhythms, ready for God when He says “let's make a move.”

Let me know how I can pray for you.

Onward with You by His Strength,

Holly