Ephemeral

We just returned from nearly two months in the States. You wouldn't describe our stay as ephemeral. It was planned and so there was no longing to prolong. Plus it was vacation, a time apart that's meant to end.

But there are other things that you'd wish wouldn't end. Their beauty seems eternal. Then... they are gone.

There was a team of missionaries in Northwest Spain that shined as bright as the sun. With love and devotion they lived out the way of Jesus. The last family moved back to the States at the end of July. And so ended a beautiful thing.

As I sit here in our apartment contemplating the end of that team and the role and impact of missionaries, I realize on many levels this is all so transitory. By that I don't mean to say it is futile. I'm just feeling the truth that our efforts are small and our successes are very limited.

And at that very low point I return to a fundamental truth of missionary life, what do we have that was not given to us. We receive gifts and we give gifts. That's all we can do.

So I weep for the end of that precious team, for they were so generous. May the God we serve take their offering of time and love and finish the work he started through their ministry. We are weak but he is strong.

And may each of those team members grow and prosper where they are now planted.

Comments

[Heidi Renee]

Glad you're home safe. Missed your voice in the blogosphere!