By: Chan’tel, Kaleo New York intern

While there may be a sum of things that we can do considerably well in our own strength, we must not forget our constant need of a Savior. We must not forget to swim in His love and allow Him to clean our wretched hearts again. For “we cannot be sent out with the gospel of grace unless we experience that for ourselves.” – Sarah Shin, Beyond Colorblind

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. – Philippians 2:3‭-‬7 (NLT)

The Holy Spirit has consistently whispered the above passage of scripture to me to share during my groups’ debriefing sessions. It has served as both a filter and a foundation for the weeks ahead of us. It has led us to prayer regarding our current state, and we have pleaded for our daily bread. For some, that bread came in the form of energy, for others, in the form of patience, selflessness or humility – whatever necessary to mold our hearts into the shape of a servant. Imagine: The Greatest Leader of all, washing the dirty, stinky feet of those He discipled. The Greatest Leader of all, voluntarily stooping low to later be exalted…for our benefit! Just imagine. We are so unworthy of such a love!

Because of Christ’s example of love, we have been so wonderfully stretched and challenged to extend that which we have received from Him. The perseverance through long train rides, 8 mile walks to and from our destinations, sweaty brows, stomach growls, and an attitude here and there, are all beauty marks of servanthood. 

The steps taken outside of our comfort zones in the name of love have been branded perfectly with grace. Together our teams have learned and been reminded that what is good enough for Christ is good enough for us. And so, it is well with our souls! I did not sign up to serve God for the summer. I signed up to serve God for a lifetime.