“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Tell them about Me!  These words rang in my ears as I completed my morning run today.  I had begun the day with the above verse, and as often happens, the words came alive and spoke to me as I ran.  You see, I had written this blog yesterday and it was a clever (if I must say so myself!) description about lasting friendships.  But this morning, it became clear I was to write differently:  Focus on Me!

My role in Mission 1:27 over the past few years has been one of support.  I have served as a sounding board for leaders and travelers, but my favorite task has been to pray for everyone and every detail related to this opportunity to serve the orphaned children in Slobodskoi.  It has been a special joy to see God’s active presence swirling through the process:  before the trips, during the trips, after the trips.  He is weaving a beautiful tapestry of love and light as we build relationships with these children;  in the process he is making each one of us into the people we were created to be.  There is nothing quite like the light on the faces we see in the photos and in the travelers when they return home:  unadulterated love and joy, transcending time and space and language.  I have cherished the beautiful view and insight from this position, and I feel blessed.  I know you’ve experienced this, too, since most of you reading this blog are in the same position.  “I am the Alpha and Omega…”

When our family decided to all go together this year, it felt “right.” But, as a new traveler during these many weeks of preparation, I often felt as if I was slogging through quick sand or looking through smudged glasses as I attempted to get into sync with the planning and packing details.  Also, life still goes on around us on a daily basis!  I have been focusing on many things, but admittedly this trip has often not been one of them.  Why can I not connect with this trip, Lord?  Thankfully, our group is peppered with well-seasoned travelers who know the process, schedule and personalities which await us as we make our way to beloved friends in Slobodskoi.  I am grateful that these leaders are more capable of multitasking as they, too, carry on their daily lives while tending to the necessary preparations.   I feel as if I’m getting ready to step into a photograph, and I’m not ready.  Help!

Focus, Child!  “I am…who is, who was, and who is to come…”

Knowing this truth about God brings such comfort to me.  I don’t need to “be” ready, or anything other than myself.  I simply need to focus on the One who transcends time, space, and language and who has called Mission 1:27 into being.  I hope to blog again once I “step into the photograph” and witness first-hand God’s active, swirling presence in Slobodskoi!  Until then, may the Peace of Christ be with us all!