I went to a training last week for my new job (which I love!). We met at a ranch in Chapell Hill. It was beautiful! The landscape was amazing. The other admin was so sweet - and our Regional Trainer - well, she and I are kindred spirits. I simply loved her. I loved the whole thing. I got so tickled when we got there and there was a lime green bag - a gift on my bed.
The anticipation grew.
I really wanted to look, but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate.
Turns out, I could have, but I waited just in case.
When it was a very appropriate time, I opened it up, and inside was a white bathrobe with the Younglife Logo - and our Region name embroidered on it. Wow. That was so cool.
It is the kind of robe that you want to steal from fancy hotels. You know, the kind that make you want to act like a brat and order room service. Yep. It was mine, and just because the amazing people at Young Life wanted me to know that they appreciate me - and they value the work I do. I still can't believe it. I hadn't done a thing to earn that robe. I didn't deserve that robe. But, it was a gift. And, I accepted it with deep gratitude in my heart. So cool.
Now, when I wear it around the house, (which isn't often right now in this 100 degree weather), but when I do wear it... I make my children refer to me as "Your Highness". We all laugh, but deep inside I know it, I am royalty, and this was a really sweet way for the King of Kings to remind me that I am His daughter - and royalty indeed.
I love my soft robe, but more than that, I love the organization that made it, and the precious people who decided to give it to me, and even more than that... I love Jesus Christ - the One worth living for - at work, at home, and in all things. What a gift. The robe, the organization, the people, and the "job". It is no longer necessary for me to fight for joy as I get ready for work. It is easy to be filled with joy as I serve the Lord in this job. This is such a precious gift after a very long time of striving to do my job with joy. I wish everyone could love their job the way I do. I really do. I hope I never take for granted the way it feels to know I am right where God wants me to be (in this area, at least). :)
This is abundance. This is what life is about. Knowing Him, and making Him known. Loving people well. Reminding people that they are valued in the eyes of Him who created them and made them for His glory. I am so thankful that Young Life wants to reach every kid with the good news of Jesus Christ. What a sweet place this is to work. I can't wait to become an old pro at the office stuff, so that I can serve more in the ministry of Young Life. Coolest. Job. Ever!
God is faithful. He will never fail us. Never. That doesn't mean things will be easy. But, it does mean that we are not subject to our circumstances. We can trust God's plans for us - they are always best, and He can take any situation and turn it for His glory, and our good.
