This past summer, I was on a Mission Trip in Denver, CO. For months, the plan was to go white water rafting on the Friday of our trip before heading back home to Wisconsin. During the week, we learned that the rivers that we would be on were running really high, and there had been some accidents on the river because of this. Although these were individuals and not people through a company, I and our leadership team had to make the tough choice to not go.
I went through about 100 different ways to present this to the group throughout the day. Every “script” that I came up with in my head seemed terrible. So, when the moment came, I decided to calmly and honestly explain the situation and express my deep sympathy and even my own disappointment. Then, I prepared myself for the questions, push-back, and comments that I was going to receive.
But, this is what happened, and I will never forget. One of the youth spoke up and said “yes, it’s disappointing and we were looking forward to it, but we know whatever we do will be great because we are going to do it together.” After I collected my emotions, I simply said thank you, and your right, I have not idea what that will be but I will let you know in the morning.
If we fast forward to last week, I was reminded of this moment when I was on a walk. I was feeling bummed. I was feeling a little “off”. So, I went for a walk and the photo above is where I was stopped in my tracks. The only word that came to mind was perspective. I was reminded that no matter what we are going through, it will be great because we are going to go through it together. God is here, was here, and will always be here. God is part of our “together”.
So, what ever together may look like right now, we still have it and God is still very much a part of it. And thanks be to God for that!
“God, sometimes (or more) I need to be reminded that you are always with me, and that you help me stay connected with those around me. Help me to know that you are with me today and always. Amen.”
Jay Kiel
