Just Passing Through...

I just got back from our mid-year conference in Spain. As you can see, it is an incredible setting to spend 10 days during the month of January. (Not a bad incentive for those of you considering doing a STINT with us!!) :)

While I was there I helped coach some of our teams overseas and participated in all the aspects of the conference. It was amazing! I think I benefited from it in some ways more than the STINTers.

One thing that I walked away with was the fact that this is not our home. We are aliens and our life is but a brief mist in the large scope of things. It reminded me of a talk Bob Shirock gave last spring retreat in which he quoted some statistics on how the average life of 70 years...25,550 days was spent.

• Sleep - 23 years
• Work - 16 years
• TV/Movies - 8 years
• Eat- 6 years
• Drive - 6 years
• Leisure - 4 1/2 years
• Illness - 4 years
• Dressing - 2 years
• Religion - 1/2 year

While in Spain, I couldn't get over how much time I had to talk with the Lord & listen to what He had to say, read my Bible & focus on new & existing relationships. I realized that only a couple things had changed. 1) My mindset on why I was in Spain to begin with and 2) my lack of modern "conveniences". (or should I say inconveniences?) It wasn't like I wasn't busy at the conference, but suddenly I wasn't being ruled by my palm pilot, emails, texts & phone calls.

Now that I'm back, will I just jump into things like they were before? Will I allow my email to dictate my priorities or allow my cell phone to be my tether? It has already been a struggle but I intend to fight for the things that are ultimately important for all of eternity! I encourage you to do the same and choose each day who you will serve. The biggest asset you have is your life. How will you spend it & what will it count for?

Mary

P.S> This is for the staff team. (those who doubted) It is possible to travel to Spain with just a carry on & a back pack. :)