Greetings, all you lovely ladies of Flex 45. Can you believe that Graduation is just around the corner? I am writing to you all from my balcony. I kicked off my shoes and I'm watching the sun sink down over the water, casting all those brilliant pinks and reds over the ocean. Don't we live in a beautiful place? I am so grateful for our apartment this year- for my roommates, our fabulous ocean view, and for each and every one of you. I am feeling a little sentimental as I think about leaving PLNU behind and moving into the next phase of life.
I wanted to share something with you this week that I've kept in my Bible since last summer. Our Summer Ministry Team came up with a "contract" that we all signed before we left for our tour. It included biblical guidelines that we committed to living by for the summer. George Williamson printed out copies for each of us, but he added this to the back of each one:
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.
I have never been more challenged than I was by those words. Throughout the summer, I reflected on that passage, and I still strive to enfold those standards into my life. Let me encourage you to do the same. Know that I love you all, I pray for you by name each week, and I am always here for you. Have a wonderful week! love, Crystal
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