As I woke up this morning, I sat on the edge of the bed and lingered for a few minutes — not because I was still tired, but because I was just filled with joy. I took those few mindful minutes to reflect on the previous day and how God planned such a spirit-filled time of fellowship with a score of women from all walks of life.
I have been looking forward to this class for months. It’s a nine-month leadership development institute for women that will help me to refine my practices as a Life Coach and school leader. I took the course a few years ago but didn’t finish, but something else started — this blog. That nine-month course fed and nurtured this creative outlet that God had planned long ago. My belief is that he is allowing me to attend again because he wants to do something new, and I can hardly wait to see what he has growing inside of me this time.
While sitting in that meeting room early Saturday morning, I realized that we all were committed — committed to be there instead of any other place. Saturdays are lazy days for me. I relax and drink coffee, read the news, and do a little writing before taking a nap, but this Saturday was different. I woke up at 5:00 a.m. (which is sleeping in for me), ate a good breakfast, and gathered my materials for class. Even after eating a solid meal, I was still ravenous — hungry for what God was serving. I knew it would be filled with some of my favorites: encouragement, laughter, community building, and love. We know that the greatest of these is love.
As the ministry team poured into us, we poured into each other. I was so proud of these ladies who spent weeks over the summer planning this banquet that would satisfy the hungriest, thirstiest souls in the room. We devoured our portions, and they quickly refilled our cups. This cycle continued for hours — pouring, consuming, and refilling. When it was time to leave, one of the sisters prayed over us to seal our time together. What I took away from this day was a feeling of fullness that can best be summed up with scripture.
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Iron sharpens iron. ~Proverbs 27:17
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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~Proverbs 21:36
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Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ~Ecclesiastes 4:9
Regular fellowship with those who encourage and build you up is necessary to fortify you so that you can do God’s work. No one can pour from an empty cup, so pray about ways to get free refills so that you, too, can pour into others as God so generously pours into you. May blessings abound! <3
good morning miss michelle! 🙂
What a great opportunity! Glad you get to take advantage of it! I like your new webpage banner.
I love your free refill thought.
This is such an amazing point! Iron does sharpen iron! I’m learning to surround myself with like-minded people who have great faith as well. It can be hard to find most of the time, but I know it’s out there! It’s great that you’re finally on your way to completing your leadership class Sis! Many blessings to you always! 💜
Such a validation of what I need to be doing. I’ve been pouring from an empty cup for too long. Time to get filled up with time with friends and breaks from the stressful day.