I was blessed to work on staff at The Grove Retreat this year, and the Lord truly showed me what a heart of service looks like! This retreat was August 5-7, so I’m a little late on the post, but better late than never.
I attended the retreat last year as a freshman, and it was so eye-opening! Being on the other side of things gave me a whole new perspective that I am so thankful to have. This time around, I got to connect with the incoming freshman and transfer students. I served on the CREW team which meant a lot of behind the scenes service. It was a lot of work, but it was so incredibly worth it.
Serving these freshman was such a blessing in disguise. In all honesty, I was not very excited about my position, but the Lord knew that it was exactly where I needed to be. In the past, the service I have done has been for my own recognition rather than for the Lord’s. Not anymore! Everything I do is to glorify the Lord; my recognition does. not. matter.
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:15
This retreat truly taught me how to be the hands and feet of Jesus! I was not only serving these freshmen, but I was also serving the Lord! This retreat also gave me the perfect opportunity to create new friendships. Connecting with the freshman was one of my favorite parts of the retreat. Going into college is very intimidating, so I wanted to be a person they could lean on. I’ve prayed for each freshman in that they would seek the Lord every single day and get connected into a Christian community in and outside of campus.
Even though I pulled a muscle in my back (I’m sadly not kidding), I would go back and serve these freshmen over and over again! Having a heart of service is something I didn’t truly appreciate until I acted upon it, if that makes sense. Practicing service is so fulfilling, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity that the Lord blessed me with.
Throughout all of the late nights, chair set-ups, and dance parties, the Lord really spoke to me and to many of these students. The joy that I experienced over those three days was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I’ve said it so many times, but I’ll say it again: I am so thankful that I was able to be on staff at this retreat. There were definitely some rough moments during those three days, but looking back, I don’t think it could’ve gone any better.
I pray that each freshman’s life and heart was touched by the love of Jesus. I pray that they would find community on and off campus, and that they would feel the Lord’s presence in their lives each day. Thank you, Jesus, for the time the staff got to spend mentoring and serving these students, and I pray that we made an impact. Lord, I thank You for leading each student to the retreat, and I pray that they know how loved they are by You. I pray that they experience peace as the summer comes to a close, and that you would put Your righteous right hand on them. Lord, guide them to where they need to be, and I pray for their obedience. You are moving in the lives of these freshmen, Lord, and I am so, so thankful!
Super unusual post for this Monday! I’ll be back to posting my regular content next Monday, but I pray that this would still encourage you. We are all in the capacity to serve those around us. Let this encourage you to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I’m not done serving, and you shouldn’t be either! Jesus spent his life on earth serving us, so let Him be your ultimate example. I pray that each of you would have an amazing week, and I’ll see you next Monday!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
So glad you had a wonderful week! We never know the impact we have on others…what an awesome way to begin a new year 🌟 Love you❤️
what's so silly is i also pulled a muscle in my back! loved it when you said, "I’m not done serving, and you shouldn’t be either!" clocked. such a great time with you bff! 😚