As I sit in the middle of the jungle in north eastern India my thoughts are wandering once again on the paths of a question that has been metastasizing in my mind for some time. “Can God be glorified through the living of an ordinary life?” The origin of this query lies in the simple desires of my own heart and as such I will write only from my own thoughts and perspectives.
I have had the thought that I live in the midst of a society where the “Christian” culture is all about being radical. (Before you ask, no I have not read the book by David Platt and my ramblings are neither in opposition nor agreement with what he proposes. I must plead ignorance to his ideas) By this I mean that I sense this urging for bigger and better and more of both. I read books and hear messages and stories of going and doing and living and serving. Of course all of these threads have their place in the fabric of God’s desire and I want to be very careful in explaining that I do believe genuine followers of Christ are most definitely supposed to be in the vanguard of bringing about God’s redemption here on earth. In fact, this is our ultimate calling, to experience redemption and love and then by trial and error and a whole lot of Grace turn around and continue spreading to others what we have received. Does this always look incredible though? Must it always come in the form of third world countries, NPOs and “big” dreams?
I will humbly admit that I pose these questions out of a place of concern over the desires of my own heart. You see, right now I honestly don’t have what I would call “big” or “radical” dreams. In a moment of vulnerability one would see that my dreams currently revolve around the concepts and ideas of family and relationship, pursuing my passions for building, creating and exploring, seeking out a career that is both fulfilling and impactful and doing all of this with a desire to actively love well. When my time comes I want to play my part in the kingdom by being the head of a Godly family. I heard yet another story today of a young girl that grew up without her father’s love and it set her life on a trajectory that at times was less than beautiful. If nothing else I want to be the father of a daughter that knows without question that she has my love and approval. I hope to steward my passions for creativity and exploration whether that be in a workshop or on the trail. For the longest of times I have been in love with nature and found joy in putting things together. It brings me life to consider working at something I truly think in my heart I would be good at, not to mention being in a place of helping and serving others. All of these ideas and desire culminate in who I am at this moment, and right now I feel very ordinary. But, I am beginning to believe that there is a place for the ordinary. I do not feel as though I am running from other things as Jonah did. Rather, I hope that perhaps my desire to serve God well could in fact find its fruition in pursuing the very things that He has allowed to take root in the deep and fertile soil of my heart. This question yet remains unanswered, however, my trust is in a good Father and I know His timing is always perfect.
Until next time…
MB
