Pride....... not so good.

I am spending this weekend in Warrenton, Missouri. Why? Well, CEF* is having a weekend retreat to help people learn more about the ministry. Originally I was going to come as a participant and take part in the classes, tours and such, but they needed more people to be guides. When Rachel asked me on the phone I answered, “Suurre.” My voice sounded unsure but in my heart I was sure I could do a wonderful job at being a guide! I could help these people find out what God’s calling was on their lives!! I could do this… I could do that… me, me, me, me….me.

But the Bible is true, pride goes before a fall. By the end of a meeting for all the guides, I felt so small and insignificant, so young and inexperienced. I left with the feeling of “I can’t do this!!! How am I going to know what to say?!” Pride hadn't made me fall completely, there was more. After I had already gone to the main building, I realized that I my guide book was in my bedroom. Now I was completely out of questions to ask or resources to write on, because I didn't have enough time to go get it. The first small group time was a disaster! I didn't know what to say or how long I should talk or let other people talk. It ended with one of the boys telling me that I should come up with questions to help conversation flow, because I wasn't doing a good job at it. I was so embarrassed. I didn't talk to my group long enough because we still had twenty minutes left over at this point. Finally as soon as I said they could go all of them left me sitting there wondering what had just happened.  I looked over my shoulder and saw all of Stephanie's group bow there heads and Stephanie began to pray. I forgot to pray before we started!!! 

The second time we met together at the table I first asked everyone for forgiveness for not inviting the Lord into our meeting. Then I proceeded to pray and guess what? It went amazing!! Even better than I hoped it would! When we just take that time to recognize that we need the Lord and tell Him that we need Him, He shows up. He is so good! 

Sorry there aren't any pictures! Next time I write I will be sure to add pictures from the drive as well as pictures from Guide Retreat :)

*Child Evangelism Fellowship