There are some different kinds of gap filling today.
First, I worked on filling the huge blank walls in our apartment with artwork. These student apartments have a piece of trim along the top of the walls where a hook can hang and hold a picture. Since I picked up some heavy fishing line yesterday at Clas Ohlson, I could hang my artwork and fill the large gaps and spaces. The vacant walls started to have images of my favorite art.
Interestingly, I have some prints that I bought during my first trip to Tanzania in 1992. The artist is a Swede, Heidi Lange!
We took all our empty packing boxes down to the storage area in the basement area, and but still not filling that gap. It is less than 1/4 full.
Amazingly, Anya’s phone fell from the balcony of this third floor apartment and survived without even a crack!
Much of my day was preparation for a gap that I’ll be filling tomorrow. The is a young adult retreat (for 20-35 year-olds) that is co-sponsored by Johannelund, the church we attend, and some other churches and ministries in the area. The keynote speaker, Simon Ponsonby, is a pastor from a church in England. He is well know here from previous visits, so over 150 people are here for the weekend. He was going to be the preacher on Sunday morning, but for some reason, he has to leave early. So, they asked me to preach. I’ve preached before, but I’m more of a teacher (more dialogue and engagement in the text rather than monologue). Originally, I was not feeling that I would have much to offer for a message, as I’m so new and am just getting my head around life here. But I ended up getting inspired, and I have developed something to share about how our fears can get in the way of receiving the gifts that God has for us. I’m drawing upon the 12 spies who went to Canaan to check out the land. Ten were overcome by fear, while two trusted God’s provision. I’m drawing from my life with my ups and downs of learning to trust God.
I knew that it would be good to visit the retreat and hear Simon speak. Then, I could get a better sense of the spirit of the place and see if I needed any tweaks to my message. Anya was also having a couple friends over and making a pancake dinner. So, she was encouraging me (read between the lines) to hear Simon. I did.
I was greeted by the woman who helped me move in on Tuesday. I even got a hug! So, not all Swedes are reserved.
It was a meaningful time of worship (and me working on Swedish by translating most of the lyrics of the songs), and Simon is a captivating speaker. He spoke in English, so it was an easy evening for me.
With blessings,
Beth
Sometimes the Lord surprises us with such events and ‘feeding’ of spirit!