Value in the Preparation

A few nights ago, someone told me that a retreat that I was part of was on the verge of being cancelled.  Whether this decision was already confirmed or not, once I heard this, my motivation to write my talk, which I was supposed to practice at the last team meeting a few days later, went out the window.  I figured I better still write the talk anyway because I made a commitment to do so plus I did not really know for sure whether or not the retreat was being cancelled.  So I sat down Saturday night and Sunday after the Packer game to write the talk I had said ‘yes’ to doing.  Once I arrived at the team meeting Sunday evening, we were all tasked with sharing our opinions through a vote on paper about whether the retreat weekends should proceed.  Although I thought it was probably unrealistic for the retreat to take place due to a shortage of people and certain circumstances, I still really wanted the weekend to take place.  Maybe this was out of a selfish desire to be able to do what I committed to or the fact that I could really use a retreat right now.  When I found out I still had to give my talk at the meeting, when there was a good chance the retreat would not happen, and to a room of only eight other team members, it was a little disheartening.  What was the point?  As I gave my talk and shortly after, I realized that there was, in fact, a point.  Around 10:00 PM Sunday night when I got the anticipated email, there was definitely disappointment.  I saw it coming and understood, but still felt disappointed by the news of the retreat cancellation.  One point was made in person and in the email that really struck me.  The comment made was that there is value in the preparation.  The process of preparing and writing a talk is valuable.  This helped me realize that it is okay to feel disappointment in the retreat being cancelled, but there is still goodness within.  All this is to say, nothing that we do for God and His glory is ever wasted.

What came more than disappointment was the realization that retreat or not, God is still working and the community will still be there.  When you remove the retreat, there are still prayers being offered, inspiration from others, and a strong community that is there to pray for you and support you.  As I practiced my talk in front of those eight women and listened to their comments and feedback, knowing that it may not be given at the retreat, I was filled with joy, peace, and love that comes only from God.  And in those moments and throughout the rest of the evening, those gifts of the Holy Spirit overpowered the feeling of disappointment.  I knew that regardless of whether or not the retreat was going to take place, everyone who had a role in the weekend was there because they have a deep love for God and want to share that love with others.  All our efforts and preparation were not wasted because they were for God.  The retreat may be cancelled but God is not and neither are all of the fruits that come from working to serve Him and make Him known.  Community was built, prayers were and still are being said, and each person has, hopefully, grown a few more steps closer to God.  

Maybe you have experienced something being cancelled.  Maybe your plans have changed or things are not going the way you had hoped.  Whatever situation you may find yourself in, know that God can and will still use you.  You are being called to share His love with others and serve Him each and every day.  As long as you work for the glory of God, nothing you do is wasted.

​God, thank you for always showing up, even when it may look different than planned or expected.  Help us to remember that there is value in our preparation and work, especially when it is done for You.  Give us the desire to share Your love with others so that they may come to know You.  May all that we do be for Your glory and praise.  Amen.