This week started with great news, and has been filled with great blessings. From eating lunch with my friend Duggy again (he came back from New Zealand YWAM), running all the way up a mountain trail, catching up with old friends, and having some hot sake at Sakura, I have been so grateful for the people in my life.
Today started with a hike, finishing the Great Gatsby (wanted to re-read the novel this week), and then off to my church. My co-leader Bill had arranged a celebration/goodbye party for me at his house and had invited all our 4th grade boys and their parents. The party was 4 hours of fun: potluck, prayer, discussion with the parents, getting owned in the jumper (Bill had rented one of those big jumpy things where everyone can go inside and jump around), racing carts, water balloon fights, lava monster (a jungle gym game similar to tag), and other things that kiddos like to do. It was great for the opportunity to spend time outside of Awana with my kids and a total blessing as I read the cards they had prepared for me. I was blown away by the support the parents, students, and Bill showed and continue to show me. It was such a blessing to drive down every Friday night for the past year and a half. I will miss telling the kids to get back in line, being shown random magic tricks, listening to the new jokes/rules of elementary school, being feared by the older bullies in the T&T section, sitting with my students during lesson time, preaching short sermons during lesson time, and answering questions during handbook time. I definitely could have done a better job at getting to know the other leaders more (other than Bill) and investing more time with the students outside of Awana. But yeah, I was so humbled after the party because I did not deserve the support that has been given to me from Awana. Their efforts and blessings point to the grace that God shows us every day.
Later in the evening after a short tea session with my friend Cho, I headed over to my aunt's house for another celebration. I was blessed with the presence of many uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, and of course a meal of new york steak, red potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, new york cheescake, korean soup, and kimchi. It was remarkable to witness the support given to me there as well. It has been such a blessing to have such good role models and diligent family in my life.
There are many lessons learned from 23 years of living, but one of the most important is that nobody can give themselves all the credit. I sincerely believe there is no self-made man. I am where I am because of the support, love, and help that others have shown me...all of which I was never entitled to. Of course there have been very difficult times, but God's grace abounds in periods of abundance and in periods of little.
One day, I hope to echo Apostle Paul's words and say "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Lord, as many difficult times are present and in the future, may they not dictate my satisfaction in you.
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