Our Experiences – What a Gift!

As my family and I close out our four years in Manila and 8 years in Asia, I find myself intensely grateful for the time spent here. It was an easy choice to write about the gifts God has given in this time. I can affirm that my word of the year, present, has been especially helpful in keeping me living in the here and now, living today well, finishing well, friending well (yes, I know that is not a word! But work with me).

Presents Received

The gift that I have received in Christ during this time has been enormous! Indeed, there have been many:

The gift of friendship

The gift of knowing him more deeply

The gift of stepping into the designation ‘author’

The gift of a large community of fellow believers

The gift of finding a few fellow believers who share my outrageously liberal ideas of God and his love

The gift of sharpening one another in working to advance his kingdom

The gift of guiding and influencing others in their walk with him

The gift of wisdom in carrying out my purpose in him, daily

The gift of grace and learning to be gracious

The gift of opportunities taken … and maybe those lost

Would these same gifts have come even if I had been in another place? Perhaps. But I think that he gives what we need in that time, so perhaps not. I know many of these things had to do with the people who are in my life. I am thankful for them.

God is present

I don’t know what tomorrow or next week will bring (quite literally!). But I know that our powerful and loving God has laid the foundation in me to do his will. Whatever that may be. His presence is the greatest gift I could ask for, and I know that I have it. He is my possession, my honor and my joy.

As I’ve worked to be present and see presents around me for six months, I reaffirm my desire to remain in the present, live out each day for today.

In Manila.

In Addis Ababa.

Today.

What gifts has your time and place brought you? Share one or two in the comments below.