Ever seen the 1985 classic, “Out of Africa”? The movie, based on Isak Dinesan’s book, “Out of Africa,” is good…but the book is way better.
In one chapter, Dinesan writes:
“Pride is faith in the idea that God had, when he made us. A proud man is conscious of the idea, and aspires to realize it. He does not strive towards a happiness, or comfort, which may be irrelevant to God’s idea of him. His success is the idea of God, successfully carried through, and he is in love with his destiny. As a good citizen finds his happiness in the fulfillment of his duty to the community, so does the proud man find his happiness in the fulfillment of his fate.
Love the pride of God beyond all things, and the pride of your neighbors as your own.”
I love this quote.
I think it sheds so much truth on the joy we find when we rest secure in God’s idea of who He wants us to be. Here at RVA, I am learning to find my “success” in whatever God has planned out for each and every day. It is HIS idea, not mine, that will ultimately carried through. His purpose will prevail. His Spirit will guide and direct my steps within this community.
And, next to God himself, my RVA community and local neighbors are becoming my “pride,” if you will. I am so proud of my girls: their diligence, hard work, unique personalities, triumphs, athleticism, dramatic talent, and godliness. I am proud of my fellow staff members: their care, service, and love. I am proud of the local Kenyan workers who faithfully serve the RVA staff each and every day: Emily in my home. Margaret in the main office. Olive in the library. We are a team, and a community within the body of Christ.
Speaking of pride, the sports season has begun, and that means some RVA school-spirit! This Thursday, we’ll put on our Red and White to get the pep rallies going. My girls’ first JV basketball game is this Thursday, and then they have a tournament all day on Saturday. I can’t wait to watch them play.
Off to work! My new title is Assistant Guidance Office Counselor 🙂 It’s fun…I get to help the Seniors out by processing their college applications, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and everything else involved in the college review process. It’s pretty amazing how smart these kids are…they are applying to so many amazing schools!