Broken Down, Spilled Out, and Used Up

We've just returned from Kentucky on a mission trip.

 Our mission was simply to love and to serve, and to pick up where we'd left off.

For we left a part of our hearts there last year.

But we promised to go back.

And we were welcomed like family who'd come home.

 We lived, loved, and ate like families should.

Simple threads made into bracelets bound our hearts.

Hugs assured us.

They told us that even in less than perfect,

often unchangeable circumstances,

love would rise to the occasion.

It wouldn't disappoint.

But would instead, draw us to itself.

There we would be broken down, spilled out, and used up for His glory.

Not our own.

It was a good thing.

We were inspired and challenged to do more, to love better.

To love like Jesus.

To see with our hearts, not just our eyes.

Thank you, sweet Kentucky.

You always know that our hearts need reminding.

They get so hardened sometimes.

Your stories and circumstances pierced all the way through.

And our shared tears were a much-needed balm.

For both of us.

And until we stand at the foot of your breathtaking mountains again,

God keep you in His perfect care.

Image of Christ that hangs in Chad's Hope, and was created using only the artist's hands.