His kindness holds me💙
This day started much differently than the way the day ended. I began my day in our beautiful Poros Resort room with the peaceful sound of the Mediterranean sea waves. I enjoyed this slow, restful morning as the light began to shine in. I spent the morning journaling, reading my book, and taking in Poros, Greece's beautiful scenery. Most mornings don’t tend to look like this for me. I try to allow slow mornings to be a part of my regular routine, but it doesn't always work out this way. Greece has taught me how little time and space I hold for rest, the need and responsibility that we all are called to uphold this sacred time, and my lack of proximity to rest has allowed me to not be able to recognize it.
This is personally due to the typical barriers in my life, including, work, school, ministry, family, etc. However, as we have been learning and reflecting on integration Fhiwithin this course, and throughout these past three weeks in Greece, I have learned that rest doesn’t need to be completely separate from everyday life, instead, we can integrate it into life's everyday moments. This has been one of the most impactful lessons for me while in Greece. Rest doesn't have to only occur when on a 2+ week vacation or when out of the country, but it can occur in our ordinary days as well. The same goes for our faith and counseling in the future. They don't need to be two separate entities, but through our care and intentionality, we can showcase the love of Jesus even in the most professional of settings. Integration also occurs with the presence of the Lord. The Lord will meet us wherever we are at, not just within the four walls of the church. While in Greece the Lord showed himself on a 10-hour plane ride, at an ancient Greek ruin, and even at the site of a terrible ATV accident.
This accident happened shortly after my restful morning, and soon then took over the rest of my day, and the rest of this trip. Although this accident was, to this day, the most terrifying experience I have been a part of, it has also been so transformative in such a short amount of time. The Lord showed himself through His protection, His grace, and His people. There were only about two minutes where Priscilla and I were alone, but even in those two minutes we were filled with the warmest embrace and His kindness. This accident should’ve and could’ve ended much differently, but the Lord had different plans for us, and we are eternally grateful.
This caused me to literally be still. Through the stillness I was able to gain so much more from this trip. While Priscilla and I were being taken care of and retrieved from the accident, we had multiple people stop and take the time to check in to see how they can step in for us. This kindness is the epitome of Greece and its people. This is a place where people take time to slow down, take in what is going on around them, and spend time with those who need it. although we had a 12 hour day, full of hospitals, waiting, x-rays, pain, we also had a full day of care, intentionality, and kindness. As the recovery process began and continues I am filled with peace and care in a place that is so distant to home.
His kindness holds me.
The culture of Greece has taught me a kindness and gentleness like no other and it will be integrated in my own life and in my future practice.
Efcharistó, Greece.
Diana Guevara
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