Do we accuse God of not caring because we’ve already decided what His care looks like?
Major Linda Jones--
Good Morning,
Here I am sitting on the lanai at the South Park Hotel on Pohnpei taking the morning off. I must admit feeling a little guilty, thinking of the many things I could be doing back at the office. I tried to get onto Lotus Notes, however, their internet service is down so here I sit.
As I observe those around me, they seem to have an ability that is lacking in my world. They sit and talk for long periods, thoroughly engulfed in their conversations, almost oblivious to activity around them. I, on the other hand, am so easily distracted that I find it difficult to concentrate for more than a short period. Over the years, I have worked hard to learn the skill of active listening which, I must admit, is very difficult for me. As I sit and watch those around me, I am in awe of their ability to do something that takes so much work for me.
Trips out here remind me of what I can learn from others. The scripture is clear about things - it teaches us that each of us has gifts and abilities that can benefit others. I thank my Micronesian brothers for the lessons they are teaching me right now, even if they have no idea I am watching.
My trip started in Saipan where I, along with Captain Tom Taylor, visited the outpost, under the leadership of Wayne and Anne Gillespie. The Gillespies live in one side of a duplex, and conduct services in the other. The place was filled to capacity. The highlights included presenting Wayne and Anne the "Trailblazer of the Year Award" for their leadership in Saipan and witnessing the enrollment of five new Junior Soldiers by Captain Tom.
The next stop was Chuuk. For the past couple of months Captain Hermes Otis has been recovering in Honolulu from a stroke he suffered last May. However, the Army’s ministry in Chuuk continues to thrive. It was an absolute joy to see the faces of the people at the Fono Outpost when we presented them with the keyboard Lt. Colonel Donald Bell promised them on our previous trip. There was a brief disruption in the service, while they hooked up the keyboard to the car battery (there is no electricity or running water in the community). However, no one was in a hurry, so we sat, talked story and drank coconut water. Before long, the singing started again. I wish I could communicate adequately to those who have never witnessed the heartfelt singing of the Micronesians. It is a blessing beyond description.
Tomorrow I will travel to the Marshall Islands, which is where I will be able to send this letter. I am sure I will be writing about my Marshall Islands adventure on the flight home.
As I look up from my computer screen, the beauty that surrounds me is amazing. I am reminded of David’s words in Psalm 8.
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
To say I am blessed is an understatement.
Blessings,
d
