I've repeatedly been asked why we are leaving it all to go to YWAM Belize. Here's the answer. Quintessence is defined as the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form. There exists an intangible substance, a property of the soul, an internal compulsion that drives the human spirit to long for certain irreplaceable qualities, to long for life in its deepest and purest form. It is the essence of the human experience: to be drawn to beauty that in it we might find truth, to be drawn to truth that in it we might find life, to be drawn to life, that in it we might find purpose. Christina and I have both sensed this undeniable draw and calling towards YWAM Belize to experience Christ, the quintessence of beauty, truth, life and purpose on a deeper level, and to embrace our purpose: "To know God and make Him known." "To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and feel - that is the purpose of life." Fullness of life can't be found in a protected bubble or a comfortable box. The bubble must burst, the walls of the box broken down. Then, horizons can be stretched, potentials realized, and God glorified. This is fullness of life. That's why YWAM. ;) P.S. If you've never seen it, go watch Secret Life of Walter Mitty right now!
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Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway made a bet that he could write a full story, capable of inducing tears, using just 6 words. Hemingway won the bet with the following genius story: "For sale, baby shoes, never worn." In the same spirit, here's my version: For sale, my home, So long. Today we put the house on the market! Boom! But how do you properly tell a home goodbye? Do you bear-hug the outside NE corner? Do you give it a not-too-prolonged kiss on the front door? Do you insist that it learns your secret handshake and refer to it by the nickname of Dr. House? I'll never straight up admit to it, but I may or may not have tried all of the above, much to the amusement of my elderly, creeped out neighbor. "So what if the kiss lasted longer than expected, with slightly more tongue than expected, Mr. Wilson... I LOVE MY HOUSE!" Christina and I have been reminiscing about all the fond memories we filled this house with, and I've gotta admit, it's kinda sad leaving a house that you've built into a home. But it's impossible for me to wallow in that sadness when I look to the exciting future! The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. - Jesus Who in their right mind sells it all to trek the unknown with a Bible and backpack? - Raises hand - By God's grace and faithfulness, he has brought me to this place. I've tasted of a new fruit. I've found that treasure hidden in the field. It is the Kingdom of Heaven expressed in the person of Christ! This is no ordinary earthly kingdom, and it's riches aren't measured in monetary wealth, personal power, or financial investments. It's a Kingdom of the Heart, and its riches are measured in quality of character, obedience to Christ, and investment in real, meaningful relationships with people. This is the purpose to which my wife and I now rededicate our lives. Past speedbumps aside, we're now full speed ahead on all cylinders. No more "flying blind on empty tanks." We're joining in with the Fellowship of the Unashamed. "Our pace is set, our gait is fast. Our goal is Heaven, our mission clear!" What geater joy is there than to serve the Kingdom, its King, and its people?! To my 3-5 faithful blog readers, please pray that Christina and I can live out this calling well, and please pray our house sells quickly and profitably. Auf wiedersehen mein Haus. Hallo mein Zwelck! Next stop: Belize! Most of my posts contain an element of humor. This probably won't be one of them. I've got a few things on my mind today, some weightier in subject matter than others. This is my attempt to process them and hopefully churn up something profound, or at least useful, in the process. Life has a way of piling up on our backs and before we know it, the once-manageable load morphs into this malignant growth, pushing us down, bowing our backs like Quasimodo under its weight. Call the growth whatever you want: depression, anxiety, stress, nerves, mood. It's a shape-shifting beast unique to each person and it changes over time. The struggle is real. If we're not careful, we just might fall prey to accepting and affirming the growth as just another part of us and allowing the growth to effectively fuse itself to the very fiber of our identity. This can be detrimental to our being on so many levels. Today, I've been struggling under the load of a seeming lack of direction. "Destination unknown... Destination unknown..." The words echo across the empty spaces just above the surface of my mind. I've been trying not to let them nosedive into the sea of my thoughts, but deep within the eye of this internal, perfect storm, they take the plunge. Now for the hard work of fishing out the wreckage. I hope it hasn't sunken too deep. I've dedicated the better part of three years to carving out a home and a career I've grown to love, alongside people I respect, but for what? Why would God call me... scratch that. I'll address Him directly... God, why would you call me away from the provisions and securities of yesteryear, into the vast and uncharted expanses of the Unknown? What's out there that you would have for me? What ultimate purpose lies beyond the walls of my comfortable box? I can't see it from here. That said, the call you've placed on my life is as unmistakable as the air you allow me to breathe, and I've answered that call. My chips are all in, and so help me if you commission me to go, I'll go without a moment's hesitation. But give me the faith to be able to step out onto the tossing waves and not sink. Give me the faith to place each step on the firm foundation of trust in you. When my thoughts echo with the worries of "destination unknown," may my spirit resound with your peace. When I am blind, make me see. When I am crippled, make me stand. When all around say it can not be done, make me show them that NOTHING is impossible. (<< Click that link. It's good.) And when all is said and done, when all manner of doubts, anxieties and fears have been silenced, may my soul resound with these words: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly trust in Jesus' name On Christ the solid Rock, I stand All other ground is sinking sand Though my questions may remain unanswered for now and my humanly eyes finite, I will rest in the shadow of His wing, and trust in Him. |
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. Archives
March 2021
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