Enough

For the past two days I have been able to serve at Nashville Rescue Mission. In total we were able to help serve 450 people a meal. In addition to my fellow interns, there were 10 students and 2 leaders from their group who were able to come. The students brought so much joy and love with them into the building while they sang and worked together. The staff expressed how much their presence was a blessing to them.
As someone who finds fulfillment in building deep relationships I have often questioned the value in having a short term relationship. Today showed me the way that my mindset was broken. It is enough to bring your whole self for the amount of time that you have to give, even if there is more work to be done. There is no reason to feel guilty about bringing your best. It takes faith in God and your brothers and sisters to take on this attitude, because you have to trust that the work continues on through others. The value add that we bring can be meaningful even if it is short term.
When we are abroad this summer I will want to keep this in mind so that I do not feel too overwhelmed or discouraged about what we can give. We are contributing to the continuing work of the ministry. The people we are serving will be encouraged and feel loved. We will connect people with the Lord. What we can bring is enough.