This is the first week of the Footsteps of Paul School in Turkey. During orientation we discussed corporately the relational implications of decisions we make and their subsequent repercussions. The things that we do (work, play, and eat) are opportunities to form relationship with others, and the decisions we make in these areas have impact. Example? What does it mean to be out late as a single female in Turkey? What does it communicate to drink alcohol? How does it speak of you to wear a sleeveless shirt?
Here in Turkish society each one of these actions (or inactions) means something different than from back in the USA. As a believer, the things we do are a reflection of our God. This school does not have a “one-size-fits-all” answer for questions pertaining to curfew and alcohol consumption and dress code. Our challenge, which I greatly appreciate, is to work these questions out with the Lord and seek Jesus for personal answers that will have (potentially) lifelong longevity. Blanket statements can sometimes be too easy, right? And they would only last the length of the school after the law was lifted and you had to think for yourself, what thoughts would you have? Why not have those now?
Speaking of thoughts, here are some that I have been chewing on recently:
Good is often the enemy of great. Ever hear this before? How many times have you talked yourself into something because it was “good”. Not bad, not fabulous. Good. What do you think about me challenging you to more? Not to settle, but to keep seeking GREAT?
And continuing to walk down the street (above) to the hotel where I am living… having more thoughts:
More than the what, in regards to importance pertaining to places or activities or just about anything, is the importance of the who. Who are you doing ____________ with? Surround yourself with people you love, enjoy, and challenge you to be a better you.
This is the view at the pebbly beach I live near.