And so it begins…
My favorite thing about this experience so far is people’s reactions. I’ve gotten ones from both ends of the spectrum to everything in between. Some people think it’s amazing, but quickly retort that they would never do it, while others immediately question my sanity. Some list the reasons I shouldn’t go, with the caveat that there are just too many to list, while others stare blankly into the distance as I rattle off countries they forgot existed. A few brave souls broke the mold, and with vigor and excitement asked if they could come before I could even get the sentence out of my mouth. Through every reaction though, I’ve noticed that I’m learning something about myself and more importantly about the God that set my heart on fire.
You see, I’m a people pleaser by nature, and generally this gets me into trouble. There’s me walking through life and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I’m torn about a decision that would have been simple had I not let “their” opinions and reactions infect my process. Worse yet, this “their”, these people, they aren’t just random strangers. These people are people I love and who love me. Some of them gave me life, and others walked with me through the toughest parts of it. What I’m discovering though, is it doesn’t matter how much you love someone, you simply can’t know what’s best for them, and the same is true in reverse. Living for others, no matter how well intentioned they or even you may be, will only lead to disappointment.
Luckily, there is another option. What if instead of being people pleasers, we became God pleasers? After all, He knows beyond a shadow of a doubt what is best for us, and if we can trust in that and focus on pleasing Him, I’m pretty sure the rest will take care of itself.
And so with every new reaction, I remind myself who it is I’m aiming to please. Now, no matter what the response, the joy in my heart overflows a little bit more because I’ve shared what God has placed on my heart with one more person, and who knows what He’s working on in them…
