October 12, 2004
-
A Different “Season”
It seems like each of these short term trips are like different seasons of a reality show (e.g. The Apprentice or Survivor) – because each one has the same basic idea – same structure, same objective, same Boss… BUT all the characters are different; the venue is also different, and so different choices, decisions, reactions and adventures result. It’s the same but totally different! Kind of fascinating when you think about it.
In this season of *”Ten40Connect’s STM”, I was fortunate to be on a team of folks who were mostly a generation older than me. Before coming on the trip, I was a little anxious about being the youngest. I had to repeat 2 Timothy 4:12 to myself several times. But it turned out to be a wonderful experience!
I felt pretty spoiled. Although being the youngest meant being the target of all the jokes (doh! ~ esp from Big Brother Doug and “Grandpa” Gleason
), it also meant that everyone watched out for me. 
Being the youngest (as opposed to the oldest) also meant that I was not in charge and not the one responsibile for things. For the first time in a really long time, I didn’t have to “know” everything that’s going on, didn’t have to plan, think for the whole group or make decisions. It never defaulted to me… what a nice break!! 
Learning a Different Approach. I noticed that when we would brainstorm to decide what we should do, I always thought differently than my team did – everyone was of one mind but me! I don’t think I would’ve done it like they did, but it was perfect! Since we were working with “teachers” (who were more or less within their similar age range), my team’s idea always worked out perfectly. I always ended up realizing while it was put into action how much sense they made. It was really fun for me to see different aproaches to ministry and life by older sibs in Christ… Yay, God, for knowing what He’s doing!
*p.s. in case you’re wondering, Ten40Connect is the name of the missions agency that I am working for.
Comments (1)
i’m glad to hear you had an awesome time in China again, MA! but you were without BJ2!!!