Monday, November 17

Romans 12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection:

Young people have “offered their bodies as a living sacrifice” on numerous occasions in the recent history of the church. The youth have been on mission trips to places like Pennsylvania, New York, Atlanta, San Antonio and Boston, while also serving at home. One participant, Jackson Donovan, wrote this reflection following his experience on a mission trip:

This past week has been the best week I’ve had this year, it was truly a full experience, whether it was waking upon time, getting a full breakfast, or just staying hydrated.  Everything was a learning experience. I looked for God/Jesus this week in many different places.  I looked for him the food bank, he wasn’t there,…looked for him in the S.A.M.M., he wasn’t there, I even tried looking in our own church…but he never showed up, not even for one game of ping pong.  Then on Wednesday, June 24^th, 2009 at the Mission Road development center I saw him.  I didn’t find him through words or actions though.  I felt him through a stare.  I was with the lowest functioning group in a classroom and really only one or two of them could speak. All the others were as silent as the wind.  One of them was named Michael and he couldn’t speak, but he had a helmet on his head and always looked confused and lost.  That was…until the end of the day.  I was ready to leave and I was wiped out!  I had no energy and was a little frustrated.  Then as I left, Michael grabbed my hand and I looked at him.  His eyes looked right into mine and it looked like he knew what he was doing for the first time all day.  It was a powerful sensation, almost like his eyes spoke every word that he couldn’t speak aloud.  This sounds crazy but what was even crazier was that I understood him.  He without question, said “THANK YOU JACK!”  I heard God and Jesus’ voice but didn’t say anything back.  This boy Michael looked away and the sensation was gone.  I was no longer tired or frustrated. I was refreshed. I saw God!

Question for reflection:

When have you experienced God in an unexpected place? In an expected place? How might that experience enlighten the life of another person in your life?