What Comes First the Chicken or the Egg?

What Comes First, the Chicken or the Egg?

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

 

     (This column is a reflection from the service trip taken to a children’s home, Homes of Life in Atenas, Costa Rica.)

 

What comes first, the chicken or the egg? In like fashion the question could be posed… What comes first, serving our brothers and sisters, or restoration and healing? Does one have to be restored before serving or does restoration come when we pour ourselves out, and He fills old wine skins making them new once more? The vessel filler helps us pour ourselves out for others, and in turn, He refills the vessels for His glory. At least that’s been my experience.

 

How clearly He manifests Himself once we simply say “yes.” The harvest is ready and the workers are few. Saying “yes” means simply taking the next step without understanding where the journey will end. By merely taking one, He will reveal another, and we release any form of pride that we are the ones who are able. It is He who is able to begin a good work in us and will bring it to completion. The glory and honor is His, and as soon as it is for our glory, He will use another in order that the compass continues to point North…back to Him.

 

Case in point. The little team of twelve made their way safely to the departure gate. San Jose, Costa Rica was the destination of choice. Arriving in the dark of night, they were met by others who helped load the vehicles with the 24/50 pound bags brought by the travelers. You see, the children’s home had needs, and as the Lord put together the team, He equipped.

 

The computer specialist brought the technology needed to enable the communication system worldwide; the jewelry maker made gifts beyond measure that found their way into yet another children’s home in Guatemala. The gifts restored and encouraged tired workers thousands of miles away from where we ever thought they’d land. Other members gifted monies needed for the central kitchen, and still others brought clothing, medicines, and food items requested. Donations and sacrifices made by many back home helped fill the needs of the thirty-five children cared for.

 

Morning broke and with it, song birds welcomed the light of day. It mattered not that the break of dawn came at 5:00, it was time to begin. All too soon the sun would set and what unfolded in those daylight hours was important. Little hands needed to be washed and held. Mouths needed feeding, and tears needed drying. Cries needed comfort, and workers which held each child longed for a smile of thankful encouragement. Mangos needed picking, and flowers needed planting. Walkways needed painting and gardens needed to be turned.

 

At the end of the day one wasn’t sure which hands had helped which, but one thing was for certain, lives at been touched. Just who had served whom would remain a mystery as the line drawn in the sands of the time well spent were blurred. Smiles radiated from those doing the holding and those being held. Hearts meshed into bonded threads among the volunteers, the children, and our precious Lord who allowed them all to be on holy ground at the Homes of Life in Atenas, Costa Rica. To God be the glory. Amen.