http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHNk3AYYcM4&feature=related
John was incredibly friendly, chatting with us, helping us with gear and tips. Inviting us to church in the morning he gave directions and an open invitation. Saturday night marked daylight savings in Ireland, consequently throwing our clocks off. Unfortunately we woke up a bit late, but still managed to make it to church on time.
The walk to church was lovely. Down by the ocean the smell of saltwater fills the air as the waves repeatedly crash against the rocks. Moving out of town the scenery quickly changes to green rolling hills and the sweet aroma of agriculture. Memories of the family farm in spring came flooding in. Graduation parties, running through fields, tire swings... Although I'm thousands of miles away the familiar scent brought comfort, as if I was back home on the farm. Warm sun shown brightly blanketing the fields illuminating flowers and all in its path. The mile walk was refreshing and well worth it.
Expecting a venue much larger, I was a bit shocked to find such a small room and congregation. With only about 30 seats Clare Community Church is small in size, but mighty in faith.
Entering the building most seats were taken, however noticing our arrival members quickly gave up their chairs allowing our group to sit together. Although a small gesture, a powerful one nonetheless. I would like to think I would do this for others, but realistically I don't think I would. Move over? Yes, but get up and make a scene just so new comers would feel welcomed, allowing them to sit with one another?...probably not. A gentleman greeted us at the door; more than likely I would expect him to set up chairs for new comers rather than me move. It was a bit of a sad realization, but a good one as well because I now understand what a large impact a small gesture has.
John led worship as we sang This is My Desire
This is my hearts desire, to honor you
Lord with all my heart I worship you
all I have within me to bring you praise
all that I adore is in you
Lord I give you my heart
I give you my soul
I live for you alone
every breath that I take
every moment I'm awake
Lord have your way in me
In the past I've talked about worshiping with international voices, yesterday I was blessed again to sit between Francois (France) and Samuel (Switzerland) as a pastor sat in front of me from Holland, the home pastor from Scotland and John from Ireland sang. With such a tiny room, the sound was absolutely incredible. Sitting below a skylight the bright sunshine streamed in as passionate voices filled the room with praise. Probably hundreds of times I've sang This is My Desire, however yesterday it hit me differently than it had before. The lines "every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake, Lord have your way in me"spoke to my heart. I know that all I do is for the glory of God, but it hit me yesterday that even as I surf, I am to do it to glorify God. Every single breath and action I take, is for Him. The last line says "have your way in me" in the past I've sang it saying "have your way with me". I realized "in me" suggests that I am his tool and He chooses to use me how He sees fit, not just put me somewhere. I desire to be His tool. A small word change, but a big difference. There is no point stressing out over this massive paper due next Monday or complaining. I am living for Him and He is sovereign and holy. The body of believers were so kind and welcoming as we joined them for worship.
Making our way home we were blessed to have another mile walk back through the beautiful countryside marveling at God's creation.
Just in time for another surf lesson, yesterdays was a bit colder than Saturdays. Saturdays waves were decently size, however yesterdays were quite large stretching far over my head. The surfing was still great, but wipeouts were hard and frequent, tumbling through the ocean tossed here and there. The waves really beat us up, but all in all it was still great craic.
Running back to the hostel we showered quick, grabbed a delicious ice cream cone and headed home. We were so blessed by the owner of the hostel allowing us to leave our bags inside even after we had "checked out". We were even able to shower and use all of the facilities. In addition we caught our bus in the perfect time so we wouldn't have to wait an additional hour. What a wonderful weekend, filled with fun people, amazing waves, beautiful sunshine, great fellowship and a loving body of Christ.
Amy and I said our goodbyes as she is on her way back to Spain. A great weekend, with a dear friend.
With Love from Galway
P.S.
I even got a little sunburned. Yes! Who thought that would happen in Ireland!?
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