"God is more interested in our character than our comfort".
I recently heard this quote from my Pastor and boy did it hit me. I have had a relationship with Christ for 22 years and there have definitely been times where I have been taken out of my comfort zone. And you know what? Those were the times when I grew closer to God and in my spiritual walk than ever before. Honestly, I have been scared and nervous about my upcoming trip but this simple quote struck a fire under me. I love my boys so much and I know that I have been so blessed but at the same time it has been so easy to get into life's busy routine and forget about the eternal prize. I have to admit that I have been dry spiritually and it is time, for myself and my family, that I get out of my comfort zone. I need to be broken. I need my eyes to be open to the world around me. And, I need to experience a sincere 'attitude of gratitude'...something that I preach about regularly to my 4 year-old son.
As a Christian, there is not a certain level that is reached that indicates that we have attained our full spiritual potential. No, as a Christ-follower there is always room to grow and to know God more. We will never be able to know and fully comprehend the true majesty of Jesus until we get to heaven, but while I am here on this earth I want to strive to deepen my relationship with Him. I want to seek God in everything I say and do and if that means getting out of my comfort zone, well then, bring it on. Again, God is more interested in my character than my comfort zone. It is about what happens IN us, not TO us. I can no longer stay in my comfortable bubble and expect great things to happen. I have to face my fears, step out in faith, and fall on God.
I don't want to leave my kids, but this trip is for them too. I cannot honestly encourage them to try new things and be an example for others if I am not willing to do the same thing too. I cannot expect them to love one another as Christ first loved us if I am not willing to show them what that means. I cannot expect them to be obey me if I cannot role model my own obedience when God provides an opportunity and asks me to do it. And, I certainly cannot expect them to truly know God if I am not seeking Him first. It's a big world out there and I don't want my kids to be naive to that. I don't want them to take anything they have for granted. And, I don't either.
For those of you who have said that you will be praying for this trip, my team, and for me and my family while I am in Ethiopia, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This intercession is very much appreciated and my hope is that you will be blessed as well. I will be leaving on Friday, October 14th and will be meeting the rest of the team over in Amsterdam. From there we will be traveling to Ethiopia together. Once in Ethiopia I will be stationed at an orphanage in Adama for most of the duration of the trip. My primary job will be to paint a big mural in the nursery. I will be staying there by myself (the rest of the team will be visiting other orphanages and other areas) and I am hoping that I will have plenty of time to love on all of the children while I am there. I have already been warned that I will fall in love, but I have promised Jeremy that I will not get in trouble with the law by sneaking a child home with me. God-willing, I will then be flying back home on Sunday, October 30th, just in time to see my little horse and big-kid cowboy dressed up for Halloween. :)
"Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's out of my comfort zone I go!!!" (With my anti-malarial and anti-diarrhea medications on hand of course)!
