Mountain and Valley

The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people" (Exodus 13:21-22).

Hard. My calves and feet swollen from 36 hours of flight and transfers. Present. God. Miraculous. No one asked to check my luggage full of food- 3 suitcases no less. God was present to make sure I had some kind of meal on the plane every leg of the flight. When I got to the base, they offered to let me cook my own food and reimburse my money so I can buy food. In the past, my experience has not been a positive one in light of my eating needs (vegetarian and gluten-food). People have been gracious, but it has been quite busy here. It has been quite cold as the poem below suggests, and it takes some adjustment.

There is a wicked wind in Worcester

Wreaking havoc about the place

Stirring up dust storms

As it kicks up its heels

Caterwauling like a banshee

Down the mountainside

Like a Hillbilly on vacation

A screaming freight train

Completely of control

Breathing its icy breath

Down my neck and

Making me wish for

100 degree weather in Texas

Yet, I have you ever received an unexpected gift? Self-knowledge has been the unexpected gift that I have received in the few days I have been in South  Africa.  As part of my training in the School of Apostolic Pioneering, I took a test called "Strength Finders: which identifies the top five talents or strengths. After taking the test, listening to a lecture, reading the book, and a 2 hour coaching, I have discovered some important truths about myslef: who I am. I am an  intelligent achiever who enjoys learning through gathering resources and who can make stragegic decisions.

At the same time, I have been learning about myself. An achiever is someone who is goal-oriented and follows through the task. Learner is someone, as the name suggests, who enjoys the pursuit of knowledge. An inputter is a literal sponge; a collector and resource-distributor. As an auditory learner, I can hear something once and retain that information.  At times, I have felt like a ’know-it-all’ and awkward for knowing so much about so many different topics, but the love of study ought to produce something.

As a strategic person, I am discerning and look for the best possible option. Lastly, I am person of intellect- a thinker. The strength-finder book, test, and coaching have helped me to understand myself and individual strengths better. In fact, the five talents identified clarified some individual quirks that I have long resisted and hid. My five talents are achiever, learner, input, strategic, and intellection.

In terms of being an achiever, I immediately recognized myself in the list-maker not merely to do lists, but past accomplishments, gifts, and future desires. What I considered an irksome habit actually makes sense now. Another talent or rather a strength, comes from my ability to assess and gather resources. I gather literature, information, and things and disburse them as needed. I never before recognized this trend as a strength, but I realize better that mental and physical ‘packratting’ actually has spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional benefits.  With scripture, words of encouragement, books, advice on health and exercise, and knowledge in general my input strength is edifying those who receive it.

These exercises have helped me be more confident; moreover, as I read and listened to the descriptions of others’ strengths, I began to appreciate them more; In addition, things about those others I once found irksome lost their irritation. I gained a greater appreciation for the diversity in the body of Christ, and how together we get the job done. I also understood better my role in the Body- how I am needed despite my curious nature.  Yesterday, I reread the first blog I wrote; I could see so much of what God had done just as He promised, and that I still have a ways to go.

Thankful you for,
MJ