Overflow

I can't believe it has already been a year since I spent the summer in San Deigo on CRU summer project. As some of you know I decided to return to San Diego as staff this summer, and this past week has shown me that I wouldn't pick any other way way to spend six weeks of my summer. The staff get the opportunity to be  in San Diego about ten days before the students arrive. We have gotten the chance to spend time with each other and growing close in our community before the project begins. We have been having time together to dive into God's word, share our testimonies with each other and do all of the practical tasks that need to get done to set things up. After spending over ten hours today moving in  all of the items into the students living, I'm getting more and more excited for everyone to arrive.
It feels a little weird being on the other side of the project this summer. I learned and grew so much last summer and the leaders in my life last summer had a huge impact on that. When I look back at how the staff interacted and led us last summer it makes me feel inadequate and wonder how I can lead the way that they did. I am realizing more and more that I should not be focusing on what I am doing to be a better leader, but how I can grow in my own relationship with God.
It can be easy to focus on all the tasks of leadership without paying attention to your heart. We were not meant to continually pour out into other people without getting poured into. I can always tell when I rely more on myself than God when I'm leading. I feel drained and lose hope in doing a good job because I do not take time to get refreshed. This can look differently at different times, but it all comes down to making sure I take time to spend time with the God I am leading for. I want my leadership, advice and attitude to come from an overflow of my relationship with God. I want my heart to be so filled and aligned with Christ that I do not have to rely on  my efforts, but rather it coming naturally from my own relationship with God. I know this is not always natural and it is easier said than done. I hope that I will continue to learn this throughout the summer and that the students will as well, because they are all leaders, and will be bringing the skills they learn back to their own campuses.
I am excited to see all the God does this summer. Thank you to all that have been praying for this project. I think one of the most exciting things is to see all of the ways and people that are affected by prayer. I have been praying for the students and staff for a while and it is so great to see how God has provided and is working already. I can't wait to share more, but for now it's time to rest after a long day. :)
~Rachel

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever". I Peter 4:11