“I’m thankful for the way our U.S. team has had such unity,” I commented in a debrief of our youth camp run by mainly national workers. “I guess I’m even more thankful, however, for the way you Middle Eastern workers have had such unity,” I continued. Their laughter was hardy. One of them quickly said, “she thinks just like us!”

Every culture is aware of it, aren’t they? This national team knew the reality of actually working with a team long term and how different it is than working with a team for a week or two. Familiarity often brings more than love and roses.

I like what Paul says in Colossians 3:12-16:

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

What great verses to use as a mirror in regard to this group of workers. I clearly saw how they continually humbled themselves to serve each other: a bottle of water was always offered right at the time the sun was the highest, and no one was left alone when chairs needed to be rearranged. Deeper than that, however, the tensions that so often appear as a team keeps giving despite little sleep just didn’t show up. They had purposefully chosen not to be offended by the little, or big things that steal peace. How could they do that?? They chose to abide in the love Christ has shown them, and practice all the things Paul commends.

The next day the van felt hot as we moved onto our next destination. Our camp was over and the peace that I’d held in my heart throughout the week seemed as far away as my suitcase roped to the top of the vehicle’s roof. After still one more stop, I shut my eyes, thinking that if I kept my eyes closed my mouth would stay shut, too. I was tired, hot, peopled out, and thirsty. Then gently, I heard someone call from the front. “Hey, does anyone need any water?” I had to smile. What an example of Christ’s continual love being worked out, once again, through my friends and co-workers. “Thank you,” I genuinely replied, then I silently prayed, “Lord, help me be like them.”