A couple of weekends ago, Brandon and I volunteered at Rancho Milagro for an overnight camp with 22 kids, ages 8-15. Many of these kids are part of the foster care system in Phoenix, living in group homes while they wait to be adopted or age out. We spent time teaching the kids, introducing them (or reintroducing them) to horses, and helping provide a safe space for the kids to have fun. WHAT. AN. EXPERIENCE!
Let me tell you, God was at work throughout the weekend, and as He does, I think I learned at much as the kiddos did. My heart was filled, broken, and filled again as we got to love on these kids, teach them about ranch life, encourage them, and have fun!
We played volleyball, had a dance party, ate s'mores, and camped in tents. The next day we got to see an amazing demonstration with police and personal protection dogs (a whole other blog will be coming on that!). After the demonstration, we loaded up to go to Cave Creek Outfitters where all the kiddos were able to go on a trail ride and do Cowboy things like axe throwing, shoot bows & arrows, and rope. All of that was followed by a delicious lunch cooked on the biggest grill I've ever seen!.
Now, while the fun and exciting things are usually what we remember most, the Lord has been working in my heart this week, revealing to me the tender and precious moments that he does not want me to forget. Our verse for the weekend was Ephesians 2:11
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Each leader was asked to prepare teaching for the kids. Before knowing our theme verse, my mind immediately went to Psalm 139:1-6. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my though afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it."
The sun was just setting as I was reading this to the kids. We sat in the arena at Rancho Milagro, surrounded by His creation: the dessert, the flowers, horses, kiddos, the teachers. I was in awe of His wondrous work!
Though I was telling the kids that these words mean that God knows our feelings, He knows our thoughts, when we are lonely, scared, angry, or so full of joy we might burst, it hit me: THIS APPLIES TO ME TOO! God knows me. He has been before me and gone behind me. He knows my thoughts before I do.
So often lately, I have found myself caught up in the process of buying a house, planning a business, working on this or doing that, that I lost the intimacy that my heart desires with God. Though the weekend at Rancho Milagro was all about the kiddos, in His goodness, God used the weekend to draw me back to Him. To notice the little details of His creation both in the ways He has created nature and animals, to the ways He has created each person I meet (those I like and those I don't like as much LOL). I need to remember to stop and smell the roses. **Literally!**
God has spent time investing in YOU my friend. He has created each unique detail of you. When you're racking your brain trying to figure out how to deal with a situation or maybe even trying to figure out just what you're feeling, reach out to Him. Ask God to show you and help you. He has gone before you in this, whatever this is, and will help you, secure you, and comfort you in ways that only He can.
You are known. You are loved. You were created to be creative.
Slow down my friend. Don't feel like you have to run at a frantic race. You are not running alone. You are running with and being carried by the strongest Father there ever has been. Lean into Him. Be known by Him.
Embrace your you-ness! There's no need to compare yourself to others or dismiss your unique details. You are created for a wonderful and glorious purpose!
xo,
Sara
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