Sometimes life moves really fast. There is so much to do that you can't even think about doing anything more than the giant things already on your to-do list. Forget making time to stop and smell the roses, you don't even have time to find the roses! And it's true. We are busy. Usually for a good reason like we are trying to do our jobs well as an employee, a family member, a friend, and a neighbor. BUT, when we are so focused on the task we can forget to enjoy the moment. And I've learned that the moment is always worth your attention.
Years later, the two of us were on our way to dinner. As we got to the top of one hill she pointed out the Atlanta skyline against the sunset. It was beautiful. I had driven that way a thousand times and never seen the glimpse of the city visible for just a moment at the top of the hill. I now live less than a mile from that very spot and have to drive over that hill to get home every day. I find a lot of times I'm in a hurry, my brain is full, and I don't see it. But when my mind is not overwhelmed and when I am fully present in the moment, I get the gift of the truly remarkable sight of the barely visible cityscape against the sunset sky.
See, one of the things I enjoy so much about my job is what I get to learn. These youth have so much to teach me. When I remember to be a learner instead of always a teacher or a leader, I find myself filled in a new way. The lessons I have learned from these friends vary from learning to cook new foods to speaking new languages. From this particular friend, living in the moment and finding joy in the ordinary is one lesson especially dear to me as my to-do list just gets longer.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about a very ordinary task for most organizations: fundraising. We have $117,000 to raise for Youth Programs this year. That's a really big number. But there is joy even in this daunting job because the reason that number is so big is because we are growing. We are reaching more kids than ever, going deeper in relationships, and finding new ways to meet people where they are. There is SAT/ACT prep, bible studies, arts and crafts, soccer, dance, entrepreneurship, preparations for driving tests, homework help, and so much more all happening at once. We have invested volunteers and staff that as tired as we may get, just has to sit back and celebrate because it really is such a joy. If I stay too focused on where we need to be 2 weeks, 3 months, or 5 years from now, I miss the special moments that make it all worth it. $117K is a huge amount of money, but the Lord provides and He is good.
I hope you will pray for Friends of Refugees and Youth Programs specifically as we seek to reach this goal. Every dollar will be celebrated and I have faith that we will be successful. And despite my optimism now, I'm likely to lose sight of this. So when you see me and I'm stressed about how we are going to complete this giant task, remind me what an awesome challenge it is to take on. Make me remember to live like my friend, taking in what's around me and appreciate things for what they are because the moment (however difficult) is worth your precious time.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about a very ordinary task for most organizations: fundraising. We have $117,000 to raise for Youth Programs this year. That's a really big number. But there is joy even in this daunting job because the reason that number is so big is because we are growing. We are reaching more kids than ever, going deeper in relationships, and finding new ways to meet people where they are. There is SAT/ACT prep, bible studies, arts and crafts, soccer, dance, entrepreneurship, preparations for driving tests, homework help, and so much more all happening at once. We have invested volunteers and staff that as tired as we may get, just has to sit back and celebrate because it really is such a joy. If I stay too focused on where we need to be 2 weeks, 3 months, or 5 years from now, I miss the special moments that make it all worth it. $117K is a huge amount of money, but the Lord provides and He is good.
I hope you will pray for Friends of Refugees and Youth Programs specifically as we seek to reach this goal. Every dollar will be celebrated and I have faith that we will be successful. And despite my optimism now, I'm likely to lose sight of this. So when you see me and I'm stressed about how we are going to complete this giant task, remind me what an awesome challenge it is to take on. Make me remember to live like my friend, taking in what's around me and appreciate things for what they are because the moment (however difficult) is worth your precious time.
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| This is the silly group that made Stone Mountain a whole new kind of adventure for me. |
