Last week I wrote about an intense experience I was diving into for the weekend (click here if you missed it).
The TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) weekend was just as special as I had imagined. We ended up having ten teens go through the weekend as candidates, and the rest of us did all we could to make sure they had a wonderful time of spiritual growth.
I have to admit that I had my own struggles during the weekend.
Thursday night went fine as we finished getting everything ready.
On Friday morning I did the devotions for our team of nine, pointing out how important it is to catch our thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) and make sure we’re replacing any negatives with things that are excellent and true (Philippians 4:8).
And then…I proceeded to go through the entire day entertaining all sorts of pessimistic thoughts!
“They don’t really need me on this team.” “I’m too quiet.” “I wish I could be more like _______.” “What are they thinking about me?” “They don’t really know me, and they probably don’t like me.” “I came into this late. I shouldn’t have signed up.”
I fought back tears as the day ended, and my thoughts jumped to even more negative conclusions. “This is just too hard!” “I’m too quiet and awkward. I shouldn’t ever do things like this.” “Life is easier if I just do it alone.”
Those thoughts, my friend, are lies from the devil himself.
Thankfully, I did a bit of reflection before I went to bed that night, and in the morning I asked God to help me turn those thoughts around. (I know I could have done that on Friday, but better late than never!)
Saturday and Sunday were much more positive. Instead of looking at “me, me, me” and ruminating on how I was doing and what everyone was thinking about me, I started to think about others.
I concentrated on the amazing things God was doing in the lives of every person involved at TEC that weekend. The care people showed for others. The sacrifice each person made to be there. The love that was evident everywhere you looked.
I still felt awkward at times, but I tried to laugh off my awkwardness.
I am a pretty quiet person, but I felt more peaceful about it (as opposed to the constant churning I felt inside on Friday).
I like doing things by myself, but I finished the weekend completely convinced of the importance of community. We grow spiritually when we work together, pray together, serve together, laugh together, and cry together.
I think I’ll sign up to help again in November.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV)
Do you prefer doing things on your own, or do you value community? How can focusing on God help you to grow as you spend time with other believers?
You are the best Robyn and don’t you forget it!!!! 😍
Thanks! I won’t forget it…but I think you may be a bit biased, Mom! 🙂 ~Robyn
I’m so glad you went out of your comfort zone and had a great time! You will never know (until heaven) the impact you had on those kids. I’m also an introvert and prefer to be alone or one trusted person. In social settings with a lot of people, all kinds of insecurities and doubts rise up. I end up seeking out quiet people (like you), and it’s a relief to know there’s someone I can feel comfortable with. I’m sure there was a kid (or more) who appreciated your calm, quiet, caring personality and felt more comfortable with you there. God uses all of us, and I know He used you! 🙂
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Lora! Won’t it be fun to spend all of eternity finding out how we impacted others? (Of course, by the time we reach heaven, it really won’t matter anymore…we’ll just be happy to be with the Lord.)
I’m thankful for your sweet, quiet personality. I know you impact others in so many ways. Keep it up! ~Robyn