End of summer reflection
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." -Galatians 5:22-23
Summer is always a trying season for me. I typically start with a burst of energy, and within a few weeks find myself tired, irritable and ready to take a three week long vacation. Preferably on the beach. Far, far away. This summer, as I found myself falling into that pattern again, I have began praying daily to see the fruit of the Spirit in my life, the lives of our staff, and also in the lives of our youth who have chosen to follow Christ. I am in desperate need of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It's been an encouragement to see ways that God has answered, big and small. Ever since I started praying, I can say without a doubt that I have become much more patient!
In our neighborhood, I've come to realize that things such as love, peace and patience aren't always taught. It exhausts me when I see that so many of our youth are taught to defend themselves at all costs, and have tired of watching fights break out over the smallest things. What gives me hope is knowing that when our youth choose Christ, that they can see real fruit in our lives. If they have been taught to hate, we know that the Spirit can teach them love. Would you join me in praying for the remainder of the summer to see the fruits of the spirit in my life, in the lives of the staff and in the lives of our youth? Your prayers are life changing.
