Sharon Stockdale
"But he himself [Elijah] went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.' And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.' And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said 'Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.' And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God." (1 Kings 19:4-8)
The Lord has directed my steps here to Airdrie this semester for a season of jubilee. Just like Elijah, the Lord has given me time to rest from my rigorous studies and return to my first love. Since entering University I have always struggled with finding the right balance between my everyday service and my preparation specifically for medical missions. At what point do you put the books down and serve the Lord now without diminishing the necessary preparation for the future? This semester has been an answer to prayer, as it has been a period when I can close the books, leave them for the appropriate time, and joyfully serve today.
My time here has been a time of rest and regeneration where the Lord has gently reminded me why I am pursuing the education that I am. |
The blessings of service have been overwhelmingly amazing, as this congregation has invested in me. Each one investing in their own way from the simple delightful smile and hello to the meals and trips, which were lovely occasions of fellowship. Communion with the church has been a time of continual learning and growth from my first night here, with the comical comment of, "You have no idea what I just said, do you?" even up to the recent learning of the word ‘girning’. It has been wonderful to meet on common ground, learn, understand, and grow to appreciate some of the differences in culture. The realisation of the physical worldwide body of Christ was encouraging as I delighted in the similarities found in Christ.
Overall, my time here has been a time of rest and regeneration where the Lord has gently reminded me why I am pursuing the education that I am. The ever breathtaking views of creation, as well as the gracious willingness and warm, inviting nature of this church, has restored my soul and brought me to the place where I can continue on those forty days and forty nights.