Quick update. These past few weeks have been quite busy for me, especially at work where we've picked up a few new clients. So I've been racing to finish as much work before I leave for vacation tomorrow. I'm going home to Alabama for a week to visit family and friends. Then last weekend was packed full of excitement, my wife came down with a horrible stomach bug that kept her in bed all day Saturday while I went to my company Christmas party, and then Sunday was our anniversary. So I would apologize for not writing sooner, but I think it's understandable. However, I did want to share something with you that hit me yesterday in a brief moment of inspiration while I was in the bathroom.
I once had a friend tell me the he wanted to be a janitor so he could serve people. At the time I thought that was very Godly of him. But was that really the plan God had for him? Sure it's a nice sentiment to say that we will do the dirtiest job, in the name of God, but is that truly what we are called to do? So often what we hear from the world, from the church, from friends, family, all these external sources, can cloud our better judgement, and ultimately skew the plan God has for us.
I mean what sounds more Christian to you? Setting off to Africa to serve as a missionary for 1 year and preach the name of Jesus, or keep working at my 9-5 job where I (insert your job here). I think God is in both of those decisions, but what "sounds" more Godly? I feel this is what God is trying to teach me right now. He's saying, "look at your life, the life I've given you, the way I've made you, now look at the life you're leading, the decisions on your horizon, which is most like you?" I think we would be surprised at what God has to say about this. I know I've thought about missions before, talked with my wife about it and all, but that wasn't something etched in to the very design of my heart.
But what about when Jesus says "Go into the world and preach the gospel...". I think that was a great order given to his disciples. But is that the same thing He's telling us? The bible is not living, it's just a book with words in it, but the Holy Spirit is alive, and He is the one that speaks to us through scriptures and other means. God's plan is ultimately the same for everyone, but He uses each of us uniquely.
So coming back to my friend who wanted to be a janitor. I think we, as humans, and especially as Christians, get these ideas in our heads of what will make us "good", what will make us "approved", but those things, if done out of pride or selfishness, will only lead us further from the truth. I don't want to speak on behalf of God's plan for my life, or yours, I want to listen and accept the perfect will of God for mine and my families life. Because in doing so, in receiving from God, that is the most valued gift we can have in this life.
Staring out my car window, parked next to my house, I noticed the two bushes that were planted as a mere covering for the eye sore that is our ac unit. The one thing that's always caught my attention since moving in close to a year ago is how one of the bushes is completely dead, and the other is full of life and green as can be. Both bushes receive the same amount of sunlight day after day and both are on fertile soil. Yet the one on the left remains dead and void of any life.
Last month I held a contest for my