Simple Words

I never realized the power of words till tonight. Words can be hurtful, words can be encouragement, words can say so many things. Words can be full of passion and love for the people around you. I am not someone who often just throws around useless words or at least I try not too. I try to be intentional in the things I say. I love using words to make people laugh and to bring people's spirits up. Too many times I find myself finding myself using my words to highlight the negatives in my life and so on. What I have been learning here is rethinking the things that come out of my mouth. One simple word can crush someone so quickly. Words of affirmation is my love language and I live that out every day. I really feel like I show people I love them by seeking them out and verbally telling them how much they mean to me. Writing simple notes of encouragement is something I strive to do. The funny thing about love languages is that even though you live out that love language in expressing it to others, you do not necessarily get it back that way. When I do receive that verbal affirmation it just means so much. Simple words of encouragement mean the world to me. Tonight I had that random act of love played out and it makes me think about how much I have. How lucky I am to be here in South Africa. It gives me hope and motivation to stay strong through my service site this week. I pray this week that I do not simply ask where God is in my frustrations at RivLife but am I going to be with God during my frustrations. Today one of our APU Professors that is visiting gave us a scenario. Saying rather than asking why isn't God with me in my day to day situations? But to ask am I willing to be with God and to follow him? That just hit me today. God is changing me in so many ways here, ways I never expected. 

Good Night South Africa!