By Jenny Lawrence
On the day I am writing this, we are in the midst of Week 8, or as John Kyle says, we are already through one fifth of our Capital Fellows year. There is something to be said about how quickly life goes by. In the busyness, it can be difficult to stop in a moment to reflect on why we are here, and what we are called to do. It can be hard to find rest in the rush.
Our nine months of being Capital Fellows is filled with many things. Just this week we celebrated two birthdays (Rachel and Emily!!!), worked our internships, tutored at Cornerstone, went to class, had Roundtable, and are writing a 12 page paper. At this point in the program, we are feeling the weight that comes from a full schedule. And not only do we find ourselves spending our time, but our emotions as well. Friendship and community does not come without effort. All of these things are beautiful and they are blessings, but boy, do they make us busy! The Lord created us to be in community with one another, to work with excellence, and to serve our world. Yet, He never intended us to do these things without resting in Him.
And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ -- Exodus 33:14
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -- Matthew 11:28
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. -- Psalm 23:2
On October 17, we spent 9AM to noon in silence for our Silent Retreat. During this time we were encouraged to read scripture, pray, and spend time with the Lord and with our thoughts. My natural instincts found total opposition. As I toiled with sitting in silence, I was convicted. Have I forgotten how to rest in my Father? Have I ignored His desire to renew my spirit?
When I am given a project, I go to the overseer of that project to receive my tasks. I look for instruction and direction. I need to be told the purpose of my work. Why would it be any different with the highest calling in my life? My greatest purpose on this earth is given to me through Christ, and in order to fulfill that purpose, I must know it through time spent with Him.
This is a reminder to myself to let the Lord be my source of renewal. At Roundtable on Monday we considered the question, “who am I?" Our conclusion, you cannot answer that question without first asking, “who is God?” So to you, reader, I remind you to spend time with the King of kings who is eager to renew your soul. Find rest in the rush with our Father.
Pictures from the Week
An EXCITING tour of Reformed Theological Seminary Washington DC!
Cotton candy skies while we picnic at the Washington Monument after work.
Chef David and his sous chefs!
We Fellows love our books. RTS Library tour.
Birthday QUEENS! We love Rachel and Emily and we are so thankful they're here this year.
One big happy community. Thank you Whisler's for opening your home to us!
Become A Capital Fellow in 2021-22
We are now receiving applications for Season 15 of the Capital Fellows program!
The next program year runs from late August 2021 through mid-May 2022. If you are a college senior or recent college graduate - or know someone that is - we would love to hear from you! The Early Application Deadline is November 30th!
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week! In the coming days and weeks, the Capital Fellows will be, among other things, working on the topic of servanthood. As followers of Christ, we are called to be servants as he was a servant. We are called to have a radically transformed mind about what our lives, careers, wealth, and power are all about. Please pray that during the fellows year, they will establish the foundations for a lifetime of seeing and serving into the needs around them.
Want to pray for the Capital Fellows throughout the year? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
You probably already know that Capital Fellows is one of 30 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. But, did you know that the sponsors of TFI offer great benefits to Capital Fellows alumni? For example, Reformed Theological Seminary offers a 33% tuition discount for 5 years. You can learn more about TFI's sponsors by clicking here.
If you know of a graduate school, seminary, employer, or other organization that would be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact TFI by clicking here. Thanks!
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