We Don't Know The Whole Story

I have had an amazing yet extremely tiring week. Spending the week with 13 teenagers is exhausting. I feel really old and think to myself how long will I be able to do these kind of youth trips? 

Even though I'm tired and can't wait to sleep in my own bed and get a manicure (I know first world problems) it has been so exciting to be with people who want to serve others. For me getting up each morning to cook breakfast has been refreshing, yet I'm ready to "sleep in" a little. 

One of the greatest take away lessons I have learned this week is that we don't know the whole story. So many times im guilty of judging others, making assumptions and  turning away. I have been convicted to stop turning away and I start getting to know people around me. Being Christ to them means taking time to get to know them and listening to their story. Everyone has a story to tell. We judge people and we don't know their story. We don't know what they are going through or have experienced. We don't know the whole story. 

The stories of Tyrone who was living in the abandon house we were boarding up and the neighbor lady who was watching out for him, feeding him and taking care of him. Pastor Chris share about Robert. Talking with Shantey and meeting her children. Realizing I had so much in common with her and helping her get connected with Little Lambs.

This week has caused me to really reflect on my own life. this week i have craved serving others and I feel like my family has been changed because of serving together this week. I don't even know what the means or what that will look like when we get home. 

I know that Andy has caught a glimpse o the Kingdom and we won't go back home to Nashville the same. I want my life, our marriage and our family to reflect more of Christ. For us that means getting to know our neighbors, serving our church, meeting the needs of the hurting and seeing the invisible people. God has renewed my heart and opened my eyes to the Kingdom. My family and I will be Kingdom living from now on.

I am excited to see what God will do when we get home. I can't wait to tell my mommy warriors. I need to get out of my own way so that I can see the Kingdom. 

Thankful to be fully present in this moment.