Sadie asked me on the way down two weeks ago, if we were close to heaven. I simply replied...
"Probably so, but we are about to be even closer."
Heaven on earth is many things to many people, but for me it's a five-square island in the Caribbean Sea. It's lush and green. The road is paved in concrete. Goats run free and iguanas line the walls. The sounds of children's squeals and laughter fill the air. It's people fill my heart up with a full and joyful love like none other.
To spend time in this oasis for the soul, energizes me. Makes me realize that life should be a lot simpler...and focused on the little things.
Little things. Like the way a child's hand fits ever so easily into that of an adult's. The wind blowing through your hair. Like the windows rolled down on the car and conversation as you turn a curve and change gears. A cup of afternoon coffee or tea with a friend. Playing dodgeball on a Tuesday afternoon.
The little things. Those must be more present in my life back in the chaos of America. I learn so much from my Unspoiled Queen and her lovely people.
The people that fly in these planes with me are a bit of heaven on earth for me as well. Many of them have already meshed back into the mundane. Their adventure ended on Sunday night as their feet once again walked on the ground in Nashville.
This year's Spring Break team was a beautiful collaboration of seasoned and new. The seasoned brought help and assurance to me and Michael and familiarity and comfort to the people of Saba. The new brought excitement and rejuvenation. New friendships and connections were made that won't easily be broken.
Relationship.
Many mission efforts are about hard working service; building houses or digging wells. Many others focus on medical care and providing physical needs. Others focus on caring for orphans and widows.
A lot of our Lipscomb friends get odd looks when they explain their Spring Break excursion.
"You didn't paint a house? You didn't build a bridge? This wasn't a medical mission?"
Jesus did heal. He fed and provided physical needs. He and his followers I am sure served in the most selfless of ways.
But first, He had to know the people.
He sat at their tables and visited their houses. He listened to their problems. He shed tears with them and I just know He laughed hysterically with them at times. He talked about life, in order to bring the Giver of Life to everyone He came in contact with.
And I saw Him in so many people last week, Lipscomb and Saban alike.
I saw Him on a playground as Grant Mason and Conner Crocker helped a little guy named Melnese up onto a ping pong table.
I saw Him as Jeff and Maricelly Johnson welcomed not only 26 Lipscomb team members into their home, but 10-15 other folks that needed the kindness of hospitality.
I saw Him in the quiet leadership of AK and Lauren.
I witnessed Him as Jose Luis took time to take my husband to lunch.
I saw Him as Richinel, Cedric and Henriques interrupted their days to make sure we had what we needed and we were on time.
I saw Him in the humility and patience of our sweet Jill Momma. She is more than I can speak.
I saw Him as Nancy Caroline was called by K1 to come and play. I saw Him as Jackson helped teach the K2 class.
I saw Him in the tears of little ones as they told me how much they missed Victoria, Devon, and Hannah.
I saw Him in the new friendships Ethan seem to make so easily with his teammates and those he met on Saba.
I saw Him as Myron sat and talked with Shayne during recess. An older Saban "boy", mentoring a younger, even if neither realized it.
I saw Him in Carly. She is engrossed in the lives of Sabans, young and old. They all ask about her and know without a shadow of a doubt she cares for them.
I saw Him in the confidence of Jessica, the openness of Nelsia, and in the teacher that Peter has become.
I saw Him as Luke walked with Jamal, Lana sat with Bri, and Rachel and Jacob loved on so many.
I saw Him as Ms. Lynne stepped outside her comfort zone and as Principal Diane ordered us pizza.
I saw Him in how Holly's face lit up when she played with Jayden. And I saw Him smile as Sarah prayed to Him.
I saw Him as Grant and Erin sat and interviewed both sides of the table about 15 years of the Saba-Lipscomb bond. Not so much for the info for documentary, but to truly know the people they spoke to and that they felt a part of the greater picture.
I saw Him as Steven wept just before Jeffery walked out into the safety of the waters and I held his hand.
I saw Him just as Trisha rushed to the gate as I was about to walk out to the plane today.
I saw Him in the love and friendship of two seven year olds...one who calls the Caribbean home and one who is a Tennessee Volunteer. Time and distance are never a barrier, never have been, all because of one word...
Relationship.
God made Adam. Then He made Eve.
God kept Noah on the Ark...and He put Noah's family there with him.
Moses had Aaron. Joshua had Caleb. Naomi had Ruth.
Jesus chose 12 followers and they became friends. They were a tight circle.
God gave Mary a John and Paul a Timothy.
Sometimes we loose sight of the fact that we serve the same God that we read of in the Bible. The same God that showed up in a burning bush and parted the waters of the sea...He is the God we serve. The God that sent down manna and walked with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego, walks with us. The same God that made all these connections, is still very much alive and at work today.
He made us for relationship. That is our mission.
He gave Lipscomb to Saba.
He gave Saba to Lipscomb.
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