One of my favorite Scripture passages is found in Romans 12:9-13. In a few short verses, it sums up how we should live. The last verse is simple and to the point: "Practice hospitality." As a missionary, this is kind of part of my job description. I am called to open my home to others. And while I do enjoy doing this, there are times when I just don't feel like it. Yesterday was one of those times.
One of the women I have been ministering to and who also has become a friend, asked if she could stop by. I was right in the middle of making dinner and it had been a LONG day and I was tired. But I politely invited her over for dinner. She mentioned her nephew would be coming along, too. Mentally, I prepared myself for a long evening. However, despite my misgivings, the evening turned out well. Jackson and her nephew hit it off great. As I watched them play, I was thankful that Jackson had the opportunity to play with a little boy from a different background, just like I did when I was little. As a young child, my closest friends were usually the children of the parents my parents ministered to. Those experiences helped shape who I am today. It is neat to see how the Lord will use similar experiences in Jackson's life.
And as my friend and her nephew prepared to leave, Jackson gave the little boy a big bear hug.
When we step out in obedience (even when we don't feel like it), we reap the rewards.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How Did I Get Here?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am terrible at directions- both at giving them and receiving them! There have been times, when hopelessly lost, I have pulled over and thought, "Where the heck am I?" (Although to be completely honest, I wasn't saying "heck"- yes, I admit I may let a few bad words slip once in awhile under extreme duress).
Likewise, there have been times in my life when I ask myself, "How did I get here?" As an missionary kid raised in the inner city, I had no intentions of following in my parents' footsteps. I had my eyes set on a much more glamorous career: journalist. I would start in print journalism and work my up to television journalism, eventually becoming the next Barbara Walters. Yes, I was a little delusional. But funny thing, God had completely different plans for me. When bemoaning missionary life as a kid and declaring that I would never become a missionary, my mom would smile and say, "Just wait until you meet a handsome missionary one day and he changes your mind!" Well, most of you know the story. I, indeed, did meet a handsome missionary who I married and we now live and work in the inner-city of Wichita with our two-year old son, Jackson.
In retrospect, I know exactly how I got here. The Lord was preparing me form an early age for a life of ministry. Being a part of my parents' ministry allowed me to learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed making friends from different ethnic groups. I also developed a heart for hurting people. No matter what I did, I couldn't escape this calling. Even in college when I was working, taking a full load, and serving on student government, I still made time to volunteer with an inner-city youth group. It was in my blood.
Another thing I never thought I would do is study a foreign language while living in the foreign country! Daren and I had the opportunity to learn Spanish in Costa Rica for three months. Talk about a learning experience! But even during the hard times when I'd ask myself, "How did I get here?" The Lord would remind me that he had been preparing me for this. My time in LA as a kid introduced me to the Latino culture and gave me a love for the people and culture which helped make the adjustment easier.
I imagine that ten years from now, I will be asking the same question. But I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is preparing for whatever the future holds.
Likewise, there have been times in my life when I ask myself, "How did I get here?" As an missionary kid raised in the inner city, I had no intentions of following in my parents' footsteps. I had my eyes set on a much more glamorous career: journalist. I would start in print journalism and work my up to television journalism, eventually becoming the next Barbara Walters. Yes, I was a little delusional. But funny thing, God had completely different plans for me. When bemoaning missionary life as a kid and declaring that I would never become a missionary, my mom would smile and say, "Just wait until you meet a handsome missionary one day and he changes your mind!" Well, most of you know the story. I, indeed, did meet a handsome missionary who I married and we now live and work in the inner-city of Wichita with our two-year old son, Jackson.
In retrospect, I know exactly how I got here. The Lord was preparing me form an early age for a life of ministry. Being a part of my parents' ministry allowed me to learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed making friends from different ethnic groups. I also developed a heart for hurting people. No matter what I did, I couldn't escape this calling. Even in college when I was working, taking a full load, and serving on student government, I still made time to volunteer with an inner-city youth group. It was in my blood.
Another thing I never thought I would do is study a foreign language while living in the foreign country! Daren and I had the opportunity to learn Spanish in Costa Rica for three months. Talk about a learning experience! But even during the hard times when I'd ask myself, "How did I get here?" The Lord would remind me that he had been preparing me for this. My time in LA as a kid introduced me to the Latino culture and gave me a love for the people and culture which helped make the adjustment easier.
I imagine that ten years from now, I will be asking the same question. But I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is preparing for whatever the future holds.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)