While it's only been a little over a week since I arrived here, I have already seen the Lord do amazing things. I think that day to day we can fail to catch all of the things the Lord is doing in our lives. We view them as things done in our own strength, when they are really done through Christ alone. I was pondering this as I prepared for my run this morning. I could have tied my Asiscs, left the Inn, and began my normal morning rutine of running along the boardwalk but then it hit me: I am doing this because I want to stay in shape.
It's thoughts like this that can hinder us from the kind of relationship God wants to have with us. I think we too often settle. If we pause to take in what's really going on, life seems much sweeter. I realized that I was running because God gave me the ability. He gives me the endurance, the desire, and the muscles I need. How cool is that?
Anyways, back to a broader picture of Ocean City. I absolutely love it here. Living with 80 others in my house and 20+ more in "The Mansion" is an incredible experience. i don't think I'll ever live with this many people ever again. It's a perfect reminder that we need to be living the way that Paul talks about in Philippians 2. He says that we should view other people as greater than ourselves. In doing that, every day brings a new humbling experience.
(Hannah, Bryn, Me, Cassie)
I am currently living with two beautiful women. Hannah, a junior from the University of Illinois, sleeps in the bunk above me, while Cassie, a sophomore from University of Southern California, is across the room. Now, when I say across the room, you are probably envisioning a spacious apartment in which I need to travel to get to the other bunk. Not true. Don't get me wrong, I am very blessed to have the room I have, but it is not large by any means. It still forces us to really respect eachothers' sleep and belongings. Emily, from Northwestern, will be joining us next weekend (her school hasn't let out yet!). The four of us, plus my amazing discipler Bryn, make up our action group.
After our first week of orientation ended, we moved into our "Setting the Pace" week. I began my job as receptionist at A Bella Salon and Spa, read on the beach, help others job search, and did a lot of organizational stuff and letter writing. Next week will be more of the normal routine. I think every week will get more and more comfortable. I was talking to Michael on the beach a few nights ago and it really hit me: How cool is it that I am living 2 blocks from the ocean? Seriously. It's crazy. I'm so used to be being landlocked in Wisconsin! I love Mendota and Menona, but they don't have the same effect as an ocean. It's been really fun to have a massive body of water so close.
On a little more exciting note, our whole crew went out sharing on the boardwalk on Saturday. The Lord is definitely on the move! My roommate Hannah and I met two adorable high school sisters and were able to have an incredible conversation with them. I am excited to say that we now have two more Sisters! Praise God. We were even able to hang out with them the next day! They showed us a few of the ropes on the Jersey shore and forced us into the freezing cold water. It was totally worth it. The severe burns I received, however, weren't quite as enjoyable. I am a lovely mix of bright red, golden brown(ish), and reflective white. Haha. :)
Well this was fun. Welcome to my blog! I will be posting more frequently as the summer goes on.
Love, Meghan
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