Last night was a night to remember. There I was sitting in my friend's home with five Eagles for God: My pastor for years; his lovely wife, who's my dearest friend; the couple who mentored me as a new Believer; and one of the most brilliant Biblical scholars and professors in the country... well, at least I think of him that way. Believe it or not, I sat back and did a lot more listening than usual. I was honored and thankful to sit amongst them, soaking up all they had to offer.
Each one of them has known the Lord for well over thirty years. Put together all their degrees, ministry experience, soul-winning efforts, counseling hours, missionary endeavors, church planting, worship leading, Bible knowledge, not to mention preaching, teaching and presenting for God... and we haven't even scratched the surface yet. I've yet to mention their personal prayer lives, consistency in Christ, and over-coming capabilities with God... all the late nights they've put in over the years, times of going above and beyond again and again, dying to self, pushing aside their wants and maybe even their needs for God's perfect will. Yup, they're some of the greatest people I personally know, who are "all in" for God's Kingdom!
Are they flawless? No way! They would tell you that themselves. They'd probably be embarrassed if they read this. I can picture them now rolling their eyes at me and shaking their heads, in disbelief. Not one of them is a seeker of acclamation. They are humble servants -- mere lovers of God, whose hearts are sold out for the kingdom -- willing vessels, no less, always on call for God to move through them, any time, anywhere. In fact, it was this very pastor, that taught each one of us to...
"Preach the word;
be ready in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage --
with great patience and careful instruction."
2 Timothy 4:2
As we sat around the living room, well into the night... yes, we talked about spiritual things. Wisdom, from much study and experience poured forth, and I was sure to take mental note of the contributions they all shared. But we also laughed a lot, reminisced, told some stories, and just enjoyed one another's company. Thirty years of ministry and more has tempered them all significantly. I saw lots of warmth and love, patience and kindness, gentleness and peace.
There I was... sitting in the middle
of an abundant harvest of spiritual fruit.
Early this afternoon, I said my goodbyes, so happy for such a blessed time, and drove away in my little car. I wasn't on the highway long, when I connected by phone with Bonnie -- my dear friend, ministry colleague, prayer partner and spiritual mentor. She's been traveling herself, these last few days, ministering at a conference in Ohio. It was a joy catching up with her, as we both headed home from different directions. We'll connect tomorrow to prepare for The Bonfire.
I'm really enjoying this God-given friendship with Bonnie. I can't quite describe it.
I will say this though... I don't think that I would have made it so far on this Red Shoe Project had she not been walking with me the entire time. Just as Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses, during Joshua's battle with the Amalekites, she has undergirded me!
(See Exodus 17: 10-13). She is a Master Eagle, herself!
The ride home from my friend's house is about two hours. As I headed into the second hour of the trip, I gave my friends, The Marinos, a call to see how they were doing.
"Come on over!"
they exclaimed.
When I arrived, they had invited a couple others from our Bible group. What a wonderful afternoon we had! Wendy cooked up a storm, while Jim barbecued on the lanai. We talked, laughed, even played a board game -- Guys against the Gals. Fun time!
As the sun set, and stars covered the night sky, I headed home thinking,
"I am blessed beyond measure!" God has given me many wonderful new friends in these last couple years. Together, we are in the process of building great memories together. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind...
One day, this group
will be sitting around,
with decades of ministry
experience under their
belts, telling stories and
offering divine wisdom
to a group of "newbies"
who are hungry for God!
As for today... I'm wearing RED shoes and looking for God,
and they're all following suit.
For God's Glory!
Gail
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