I just returned from a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It was not my first trip, but it was my first trip without David. He is such a Biblical history buff, I depended on him to explain everything to me. This time I had to pay attention for myself. I went with a suitcase full of doubts and questions. I returned with fewer questions and some sweet personal words from my God. Perhaps I will share about some of those personal ponderings at some point, but for now I am sorting through them myself.
I do want to tell you about something wonderful God did for me in Israel that had nothing to do with the holy geography. We were each assigned to either a Blue or Green Bus to take us from place to place. I was on the Green bus. The first day we all did great in following our instructions (we were tired!) The second day found many of the Green Bus passengers a little more outspoken and a little less inclined to march to the same drummer as everyone else. I began to tease those on the back of the bus with the threat of putting them on the "Purple" Bus that I had designated for the troublemakers. By the third day, I was given a name tag that changed me from the Green Bus to the Purple Bus and named me the Captain! With my propensity to plan and participate in parties, you can imagine the fun we all had.
By the time the week was up, we had traveled many miles, shared our life stories and wept tears with one another. We helped each other over the rough terrain, shared water,sunscreen and umbrellas. We walked together where Jesus walked and saw the mountains and valleys He traveled through. We prayed where Jesus prayed and saw the grave that could not contain Him!
For most of my adult life, I have served in Leadership for women. I loved (almost) every minute of it. In this season of my life, it is not what God has for me. But in Israel, somewhere in the middle of our antics and laughter, God spoke to me and reminded me of what a gift that time of service was for me. The women I traveled with this week encouraged me, taught me, laughed with me and shared their lives with me. I am changed forever for the time I spent with them.
7 comments:
And what a "perfect" captain you were for the Purple Bus!! So thankful I was able to share this pilgrimage with you and 99 other women! Memories that will never leave our hearts! Love you!
Julie
So glad you had a wonderful experience, friend. We were praying for your safety all week. Can't wait to hear what else the Lord taught you!
-Erin Wilkins
I can't wait to hear about it! Love you and so glad you are home!
I am so thankful that you had a wonderful trip!! I truly am jealous! If you are working with Beth, don't you think you are still working in women's ministry-making a difference in a lot of women's lives? (Just a different venue.)
Um . . . yeah . . . so for the record, I'm thinking you're still in women's ministry. It just looks a little different than it used to. It's a "Barna-bus Ministry!" -Encouragement for those on the Purple Bus." =) And it's all about that - loving us where we are, making us laugh, turning our faces to see the sunny side of things, showing us that even when we don't feel like we quite fit, there's still a place for us, and it's good.
And you do it well.
And I am grateful!
Hugs to you. I'm so thankful for you!
I just now read this.....what interesting timing for me. Israel got into my blood.....in ways I just didn't expect at all. It challenged my way of thinking about several areas in my life and I feel like I am still sorting through some of it.
Oh, and FYI....I would have paid good money to have been on the purple bus with you.
I didn't realize you had this blog. So glad I read past your sweet words about little Micah to read your words about Israel. How blessed I was to be on that green bus and have the privilege and joy to sit with you and get to know you. (we were the best bus!) I love your heart Johnnie, and I am so thankful that you continue to listen and advise and befriend me.
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