The weekend was nearing it’s end, and it was almost time to leave our mission trip visiting Saskatoon’s (and Saskatchewan’s) first ever Discovery Camp. We knew that we had to get back on the road soon, so that we would be able to attend mass as soon as we got back to Winnipeg. So of course, to wrap up our trip, we needed to have a group picture with Saskatoon and Regina. I started to count down yelling: “Three, Two, One….” *SNAP* and as soon as the picture had taken, a brother from Saskatoon yelled out “Hey! You can talk!” and everyone burst out in laughter. I giggled myself, because I thought it was pretty funny.
While trying to process what I had learned from the mission trip, that one line stuck out like a sore thumb. It was a very simple message, but I guess you could say it truly spoke to me. Haha.
For those of you who know me, I’m not a very talkative person. I’m extremely quiet, and very shy. It has always stuck to me wherever I went. Whether it was during school, or at my work, or just wherever I am, I’m usually a very quiet person. I would only talk if I really needed to. A lot of the times, it would surprise people when I do start talking.
I can remember even at school when I had to do a presentation in front of my class, afterwards, my classmates would be surprised that I can talk like that considering my quiet nature. The same would happen during talks I give, when I tell people that I’m a really shy and quiet person. Especially when talking in front of a lot of people who don’t know me, they probably wouldn’t be able to guess that I’m a quiet person by how I present myself when I speak.
So thinking about that one message “Hey! You can talk!” I thought to myself…. “Hey… I CAN Talk!” And what a huge blessing that is. I started to realize that it’s such a blessing to be able to speak. Especially as youth today, we want to be in constant communication with those around us. Everyone in some way wants to be heard.
I began to see the many opportunities that I miss because I chose not to talk. I realized that my ability to talk to others is a gift that I haven’t used enough. There are people out there that don’t even have the ability to speak. God continues to give us these messages, and these experiences not so we can keep it to ourselves. We are called to share His blessings with one another.
“… And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?” -Romans 10:14
This is my favourite bible verse and it really speaks volumes. Short, Sweet, and Simple.
I know that it will be tough for me to exercise my gift of talking, but I also know that the Lord has blessed me with so much, that I can’t keep it to myself. I really hope that we can all continue to share about the blessings that we have received with one another, and to not forget about the simple blessings that He has given to us.
Thank you to Saskatoon and Regina! You guys are doing amazing things, and your hospitality was greatly appreciated! You have all inspired us to keep the fire burning in our hearts. I am so happy and blessed to have been able to take part in your Discovery Camp!
And with that, may God be praised!