Village Kids, India
Based upon your definition of “life,” are you really alive? Is life the duration of time you spend living, or a compilation of the moments that made you feel alive? Sometimes we hold so tightly to an idea of what “life” should look like, that the reality of what actually makes us happy is lost. If you had asked what I would be doing with my life this time last year, I can ensure I never would have said, “living in remote villages of India.” Traveling away from home for a year wasn't what I had in mind, but things don't always go as planned when you seek and trust in the Lord. The journey is pleasantly unexpected, but the path always leads you straight to where you're supposed to be. This blog is about how my first experience in India showed me what God really made us for.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
~Proverbs 3:5-6
Sleeping in our tents on the roof of a church, the merciless sun woke us up around 6:30 am. We met in the church, and gathered in a circle on the floor to eat our breakfast. By 9:00 am we were dressed and ready to go. Our group of 13 piled into a “rickshaw” that fits 5 comfortably. Shortly after arriving at a grade school, we were told to “introduce ourselves and share the gospel with each of the class rooms.” In America it's illegal to teach religious beliefs in school, and it's nearly impossible for missionaries to even cross the borders of India. Already terrified about speaking in front of any audience, I was caught off guard to say the least.
We entered our first classroom, and started by introducing ourselves. As our group went down the line saying our names, I heard my voice beginning to tremble. Trying to distract myself, I started looking around the classroom at the children all sitting in awe of their quests. They wanted to hear us sing, watch us dance, or write down our signatures. Every child was precious. They watched so intently; boys in ties, and girls with their hair tightly pulled back and braided. They had flowers pinned in their hair, their uniforms were perfectly in place, and neatly tucked in. Lost in their innocence, I found myself falling in love with these kids. I got that sick feeling you get in your gut when you see the beauty of the ocean, or the sunset. I saw them as God's creation, and I longed for them like the Lord longs for all of his children to come to him.
A sense of urgency came over me, so I quickly began sharing the story of Christ in front of this classroom. I told the students how much love he had for each of them. Confused, I felt myself getting choked up, but I held it together till the end. When I was done, I felt the satisfaction of fulfillment in my soul, and that's when it clicked. God created us out of love with the purpose of us sharing that same love of the Lord with his unreached people. When I stood up there and shared the truth I felt as though my innermost being was singing. I had to hold back tears of joy.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son, and of the holy spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. Surley, I will be with you always to the very end of the age."
~Matthew 28: 19
This experience occurred on our very first day of ministry in India. All that to say, India was filled with experiences similar to this. This country opened my eyes to people all around the world who have never heard the name of Jesus. They have never heard his name, but God loves them so much. How do I know? I know this, because he revealed his love for them through me. When God reveals the love he has for people you've never met under your own hands, you become alive. You become full, complete, satisfied. However, it's not until you recognize the Lord's love for you, that you can share his love with others. It's not until you live out this purpose by making yourself available to the Lord, that he can use you to your fulfillment.
We try living our “lives to the fullest” by entertaining ourselves with “once in a lifetime opportunities” for the sake of the thrill or satisfaction of having accomplished it. But are we really satisfied? If every person has a specific calling, then it seems we wouldn't be complete until that calling was lived out. It's not until we stop forcing our lives to fit a mold we've created for ourselves that we can find purpose in the Lord, our Creator. It's not until you live out your purpose that your soul can start making melodies; that you can start living your life, alive.
"For whoever wants to save his life will loose his life, but whoever looses his life for me and the Gospel will save it…"
~Mark 8:35
Happy Mother's Day from Nepal mom! I love you!
~Laur
