If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown
With launch quickly approaching, and my to-do list quickly growing I am starting to feel the pressure of leaving. The goal for this weekend is to get completely packed and spend as much time as possible with family and friends.
The one thing I am dreading the most, is saying good-bye to my family, friends, and supporters. People continually tell me DAILY that this isn't good-bye for good, just 11 months. But it's not just 11 months. Yes, this trip is only 11 months, but my heart is not here so I know I won't be home for long and I will be gone again. God has a greater purpose for me than the "American Dream" of a 9-5 job. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I have been called to the nations and my soul is restless to be there.
The reality is 11 months is a long time. Reality is people change daily. So when I am saying goodbye over the next week I am saying final goodbyes to who my family and friends are now. They will change over the next 11 months, as I will.
So to everyone I am leaving behind, this is my prayer for you!! I pray that you won't be the same when I come back. I want you to change. I want you to seek after God in a way you never have before. I want you to ask God to reveal Himself to you like never before, and that you will experience Him in a way that will forever change your life. I pray that you will get involved in missions. God doesn't call everyone to go internationally, but every morning when you put your feet on the floor you are on a mission field. Serve your fellow coworkers like you are serving Jesus. Show mercy to the coworker that frustrates the snot out of you. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Have you kids clean out their toy boxes and take the toys to the homeless shelter for the kids there. Pick up trash on the side of the street. Call the widow/er down the road and just be available to listen as they talk because they are lonely and no one else calls or visits. Fix a meal for the family down the road just because, write a letter of encouragement to your Sunday School teacher. Be Jesus' hands and feet to the world around you!
I am looking forward to leaving and serving where God has called me, and I can't see that way He works in my life as well as my teammates lives. But more than anything I can't wait to see how God works in lives here at home!!
God wants to set the mountains of North Carolina on fire for Him!!
Will you be a FIRE STARTER for Him?
