Love Above All

    This past weekend we were able to take a short retreat to the beautiful shore of Lake Tanganyika, Africa's largest and deepest body of water. Not only were we able to spend time on the clear, ocean-like water; we also took a day to travel to Gombe National Park, home to hundreds of chimpanzees. As we trekked through the thick, tangled brush of the backwoods of Gombe National Park, I paused to take in God’s amazing creation. Everywhere I looked, something more reminded me of how great His love is for us. 

    This retreat was more than a time to experience nature; I was also able to rest and reflect on my experience in Tanzania so far. 

    What I realized was that at first, I had doubted God. I was asking myself questions like, what can I do for God here? Why did God want me to come to Tanzania? Was this really His plan for me? 

    But the more time passed, and as the waiting period grew longer, I realized that God brought me here for a reason. Maybe it wasn’t even so that I could make a difference. Maybe it was so that I could learn to live by faith, to learn to love Him more, and to see His presence in my life. 

    I read a quote recently from the book Experiencing God, and it says, “God doesn’t ask you to DO anything for Him. All He wants is a love relationship with You”. 

    I realized I had been too focused on getting things done for God. I tried to find a way to thank God for all He had done for me, and thought that the least that I could do was to serve Him with my life.

    But now, I finally understand that God really doesn’t ask for much. All He wants is our hearts. He wants us to love Him and to grow with Him and to praise Him.

    I think about the story of Mary and Martha found in Luke 10:38-42. In the story, Jesus arrives at Mary and Martha’s house. And while Martha is distractedly cleaning, cooking, and preparing to provide Jesus with the finest hospitality, Mary is just sitting and listening to Him. 

    And at one point Martha asks, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” And Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.” 

    Though it may have seemed counter-intuitive for Jesus to view Mary’s choice as the right one, it teaches us so much about what He wants from us. And while Martha wanted to give her best to the Lord, Mary was filling her mind with what was most important—the precious words falling from her Savior’s lips. Jesus cares so much for each of us. It means so much that the Creator of the universe is asking for our love, above all. 

    “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

    A song that I’ve been listening to recently says this:

Gratitude (Brandon Lake)

All my words fall short

I got nothing new

How could I express

All my gratitude?

I could sing these songs

As I often do

But every song must end

And You never do

So I throw up my hands

And praise You again and again

'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah

Hallelujah

And I know it's not much

But I've nothing else fit for a King

Except for a heart singing hallelujah

This beautiful sunset on the lake

Chimpanzee sighting at Gombe!

The girls and I

Surgical team after a full work day!

So, so thankful for this moment :)