Thriving together
Fiona Smith
April 29, 2020
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Leviticus 19: 33-34 (NRSVA)
33 When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. 34 The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
I had been considering doing a Vine Trust expedition for years — but there was always a reason why I couldn’t. Work was too busy. I had some health stuff to deal with. The fundraising felt too challenging on top of an already overloaded schedule. I think the truth is part of me was a bit scared. I’m a ‘stay at home girl.’ I burn and get heat rash in a Scottish summer — I’m kind of not built for working in heat.
On day 1, setting out to dig foundations in 32 degrees, I thought ‘I just can’t do this’ but the team around me helped. I learned from the more experienced volunteers — how to stay hydrated, how to keep my energy levels up and how to protect my skin from the sun. Elly, the Vine Trust Tanzania Coordinator, taught me the value of ‘Pole, Pole’ (slowly, slowly in Swahili) — if I slowed down, I would get more accomplished in the long run. The local builders patiently showed me how I could best help them. By day 2 I was beginning to get a feel for it. By day 3 I was in the swing of it — flourishing and thriving in this new environment — with the support of the team.
Space to reflect: How might God be using those around you this week to help you thrive? Amidst all that is happening, how can you help others to thrive?
PRAYER:
Dear God,
You made us in your image
to thrive and be in community
help us be a source of encouragement, inspiration and comfort for those around.
Amen.
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