2-Part summer

I leave Saturday, Aug. 8th, from Street Life in NYC to go back home to Ohio and make the quick transition to start work & school again. It's been a phenomenal summer, though it's not over yet! : - ).

As I was thinking about the past 2 months and all that God has been doing in and through me, I could sort of seperate the summer into two parts. The first half of the summer was definitely focused on ministering on the streets and getting a little bit acquainted with how things work here at Street Life. There were many Lord-orchestrated & memorable conversations as well as people that I will continue to pray for. It was very enriching and I am incredibly thankful for the constant ways that the Lord proved Himself.

The second half of the summer is a bit more personal. While the time on the streets has been great, the Lord seems to be doing a work in my own heart that's been a long time coming. He's been instilling in me a deeper hunger to really study His word, to worship, and to pray (very exciting features of walkin with the Lord). It's been so revitalizing, but God's also been revealing the pride of my heart to me. The hidden jealousy and resentment, irrational rage even. That I am not nearly as patient or as kind as I would like to believe that I am. Even if I don't show it on the outside, that my attitude can be just as sinful and grieving to His heart as my actions are. And how I try to constantly "do" so many things for the Lord. Last night it was said that there's no time quota that will impress Him. I need to choose quality over quantity when it comes to spending time with Christ. I need to rest in His presence, not rush. I need to slow down, to really soak in and meditate on the truth and beauty of the Lord. To learn the discipline of silence and really listen to Him. Not to just spill my heart to Him and give Him no time to respond, but to practice hearing His voice and waiting and watching Him.

So it's been kind of a heavy time, but also a very hopeful and enjoyable time because I know that Christ is dealing with and healing things in me that have been ruling in my heart for quite some time. I love the Lord and His revelation and discipline are tough to receive sometimes, but I know that He purifies and prunes me for my own good and to better please and honor Him.