If you have ever spent time in Central America, you know what it's like to truly live in the moment. Unlike in the U.S., where some people make a conscious decision to focus on the present, in Central America you have no choice. At first it was alarming to not have each second of the day laid out on a schedule, handed to you a week in advance. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around the idea that when I asked what we would be doing during the day, the response was more often than not "I dunno, we'll see!"
But as we've spent the last week in ministry, going from place to place and improvising plans when our original plans almost inevitably fall through, I've begun to more than appreciate living moment to moment. I've actually grown to love it! Every day when we wake up, I know there's going to be at least one surprise in store. And, let me tell you, it really keeps a girl on her toes.
Even more than keeping life interesting, though, being flexible with our schedule and daily expectations has taught me a lesson that is hard to learn when surrounded by the crazy rush of America. Without the ties of iCal and the obsession with being on time, God has a lot more wiggle room to really work.
Earlier this week, we were on our way to perform a drama, sing, and share testimonies at our friend's church when our van broke down. Instead of freaking out about what we should do, we just took the time to just stand still and pray together on the side of the road. We made a contingency plan for if we would not be able to make it to the church, and just stood still, waiting for whatever God's plan was. Luckily, a few minutes later, our friend drove up in a church bus and was able to get us to the church in no time at all. In those few minutes before she arrived, though, it was just so refreshing that, instead of getting all stressed about keeping our schedule, we just allowed God to take control. At home, especially at school, that is not an attitude I generally adopt. However, here I realize just how important it is just to step back and work with what God gives you.
Until now, I don't think I ever fully grasped Psalm 46:10- "Be still and know that I am God." (or, as the NASB version says, "Cease striving and know that I am God.") There was always something that I couldn't quite understand about that type of trust. The trust that comes with truly relinquishing control and just knowing that God's got you. Now, though, I can see that God has so much more planned for me than I could fit into the little boxes of a pocket planner. And for that, I am so so grateful!
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