Looking Past me

How do I spend my time? How much eternal value is there in the things I do? Those are questions I've been pondering lately. As I listen to the newscasts reminisce about several public figures that recently died, I found myself intrigued by all the things people said about them. They talked about how good they were, the fond memories they had of then and the way they excelled at their careers. But I never heard anything of how they changed lives...how they focused on eternity...how they wanted others to know Jesus. The minute I die, nothing I did or have on earth will have any value unless I "store up treasures in heaven."

On Thursday, I spent spent my lunch time at a faith-based event meeting other people in full-time ministry and listening to a wonderful speaker from South Africa talk about how the AIDS crisis has made millions of orphans. He inspired me to not only think of the plight of those widows and orphans affected, but to continue to think way outside myself everyday. To look past Danville, past my ordinary life and to the things that break the heart of God. I want to stay focused on that.

Then later that same evening, I went downtown to hang out with some homeless young men. I ate dinner with them and listened to what was going on in their lives. As I was sitting out on the front porch of an old home in a rough section of town, I never felt more at home. I was comfortable. I was enjoying myself. I was touched by these beautiful lives that were fearfully and wonderfully made. I want them to know Jesus. I want them to know the comfort and guidance He can give in the midst of their most difficult circumstances. I want to go back and love them a little more.

I love to expose myself to a hurting world. It is far too easy for me to get comfortable going to work, coming home to make dinner, running down the road to shop and grab a Starbucks. I don't want to be comfortable. So I keep moving where I see a need and pray through God's purpose for me.

Derek is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will be a full-time missionary someday. I'm not sure. I sense God's movement in a few other directions...I'll keep praying...keep listening...keep obeying in the small things...this will lead me exactly where He wants me. And this is where I'll find unending joy.