As I am writing this, I have a sister/ customer who is in Ecuador right now whose bags did not arrive with her. This could be a huge ordeal, but she has been such an encouragement to my heart. I decided to write a little blog about her and encourage myself and others who experience trials in their flight experience.
I received the first email yesterday from her, which caused my heart to sink. It went something like this, "Tabitha, I arrived here safely in Ecuador, however, my checked bags did not arrive. I am having a great time in spite of this, and got to serve over 80 orphan children today!!!"
WOW!!! This is an amazing heart full of JOY in the face of suffering! This is such an inspiration for me. I was reminded of a lady I met in a small village in Uganda who owned only one dress. This puts life into a better perspective to think about others who have much less than us and still have JOY! The JOY of the Lord is our strength indeed.
This sister had strength to serve so many children with supernatural love and joy filling her heart. We are still working on finding her luggage amid the baggage claims and lost tags etc.....but it helps to know that she is not discouraged by this trial. In fact, she is not letting it stop her or slow her down a bit.
This is truly more of the heart that I want to have. Thank you, Sister, for encouraging my heart today! You know who you are!!!! And I am praying with you and for you! I can't wait until those bags arrive, but in the meantime, keep serving with JOY. Jesus is worthy! No sacrifice we make for Him goes unnoticed. We can see our lives in perspective as we look to the cross where the greatest sacrifice was made for our salvation. Praise the LORD!
Encouraged and Rejoicing!!!
-Tabitha
