Reflections Pre-Summer Project

So...Summer Project is coming up in about three weeks. It has been fast and slow coming, if that makes sense. Every day I think, oh it's coming, but I don't know that it will actually feel like reality until I am there. IN THE CITY!!

Sorry, I just got a little rush of excitement. Let me explain a little bit. I've known that God was calling me to go somewhere this summer even though I was graduating college. Now, I have graduated college which has brought a range of emotions. I have felt weird about it, a little uncertain, but I am trusting God and relying on his promises.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

It is encouraging to know and believe His plans are certain and purposeful. While, I may have a little more peace than my fellow graduates because I do not need a job right away. I am certainly looking, but believe at this point that summer project should be my first priority. It is powerful, I believe God ordained this, and so I pursue spending part of the summer in the city. I get to serve others and offer my talents and skills to others out of love. The plans are not black and white, but I know I will be serving different areas and populations and I think the act of such is beautiful.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I think God will be transforming me even more as I serve others. This will not benefit me in the sense of riches or prestige, but HOW I love others. I want to serve others because of Jesus' love and to show Jesus' love. Writing this is a lot easier to do than in actuality. I struggle with this in my daily life- especially with those I frequently come in contact with or those I am closest to. Yet, to really be "successful" in genuinely loving others- my reliance is totally on God. Like in the book of Jeremiah (following the first passage I included) states:

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:12-14b.

So, this summer and the rest of my life prayfully will be filled with seeking, following, loving, serving...