Broken Alabaster Boxes

It's early and still dark when I rise.  My alarm sounds at an earlier hour then necessary in order to arrive at school on time, but I love my trysts with morning.  Water splashed onto face.  One light flicked on in the kitchen to make the coffee.  Sometimes standing, gazing across the ravine at the distant hill where sun will soon push it's way over the horizon. Sky streaked with color.  Sometimes gazing at the small strip of blue ocean visible from our house.  Pouring the steaming brew, it's time to begin the day with God.  A white string of light accents my room, setting the tone.  Some mornings my prayers are heavy.  Other mornings my heart overflows with praise.  Then my Bible. Isaiah right now.  Judgment.  Yet mercy.  And James, a memorization challenge. The whole book, due in January.  Then time to prepare for the day.  Puttering around the kitchen. A few dishes to wash. Ants to spray.  Water bottles t...

The morning feels steamy and slightly heavy. I can tell as I take my morning walk that, unless rain comes, it will be hot today. Last week it rained and the days were delightfully cool. This week it's been warm again.  Unlocking the door after my walk, I take off my shoes and grab my lunch box to quick pack it before heading to the shower. Emily and Ariana chat as they fry up their morning egg or dish out yogurt.  I carry two containers of bars to school with me this morning. Tonight is parent teacher meeting and we usually serve refreshments. I'm the first teacher to school this morning, which is usual. I drop my things on my desk, then open the windows to the hot tropical sun.  "Good morning Miss Krista." "Morning Omari. Ya good?" "Yes miss." I make a few notes in my lesson planner before I'm interrupted by calls from excited students.  "Miss. A centipede!" I grab the cutlass, known as a machete in the States, and advance carefully....

"I'm restless till I rest in You." These are the lyrics from a song sung by Audrey Assad.  And it rings deep.  "I'm restless till I rest in You." Life is busy. No matter where you find yourself.  Personally for myself, I find there's a certain business found on the mission field that is unique. Not that other seasons and times of life are not busy, but it's a different kind of busy. Often we come home from school, quick run a load of wash, throw together supper, and leave again for the evening.  If you are not drawing your strength from Christ, it becomes evident.  And your restless. Restless until you rest in Him. Many times it's not the rest of being completely alone, resting in body. Rather it's the choosing to be still and rest IN the busy. To allow your mind, your spirit, to be still even when around you there is business. Being still when you have a church activity, choosing not to allow school to stress you, enjoying the weekly grocery...