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Friday, April 10, 2009

Phroneo.

Like-minded...

I had hoped to have written this the other day, but it. just. wouldn't. come. Frustrating.

This past weekend, after traveling to meet my new IRL friend Sparkette on Saturday, D.T. and I made the 3-hour trek a little further South to surprise our friend, former pastor, and mentor Jon by attending the church that he currently pastors.

Yes, you heard me right. We drove 3 hours (one-way) to go to church. What in the world?!? I mean, it's not like we had anything else to do, right? Like, you know, pack.

So, anyway, we got up EARLY Sunday AM and made what turned out to be quite an easy drive, arriving in plenty of time for the service. We already knew that his wife would be out of town b/c I had done a little snooping in preparation for our surprise. I was a little disappointed, but we decided to go anyway.

We needed to go.

We needed to be with others who were like-minded.

You know, when life becomes overwhelming, it helps to be around those who get it. Those who understand. Those who think the same way.

So, off we went. I was really looking forward to hearing Jon preach. There's just something about the way he communicates God's message that really speaks to me. And I needed that.

Well, let's just say that the surprise was on me. You'll see why in a minute.

D.T. and I parked (conveniently out of sight of any windows where the pastor might look out and see our car) and entered the lower level of the church where we were warmly welcomed (how's that for aliteration!) by some we knew and some we did not.

I saw the music leader whom I knew and quickly asked her not to mention our little surprise.

And then, I was spotted. By a very excited young woman that I had met on a previous trip to visit our friends. I mention the fact that she was very excited because I recognized her excitement. It was that sold-out, on-fire, fully surrendered, gonna do whatever God asks of me excitement that only comes when God has completely gotten hold of someone's life.

Yeah, that was her. And that was me some years not so long ago...

Back when D.T. recognized that God was calling him to go to seminary. I was excited. I was ready to go. Wherever God called us. And we did. Go, that is. To seminary.

And now? Well, we're still here. I struggle with that sometimes. I know God called us to come here, but did He call us to stay? He certainly hasn't told us to move from here yet.

From time to time, I ponder these things and wonder what is next. God's call certainly does not change or end, but the excitement sometimes fades as life goes on. At least it has for me.

So, I was the one surprised on Sunday. Surprised that it wasn't Jon who was preaching, but rather the husband of that very excited young woman. A young man called out to God's service. A family who is following His call.

I was the one surprised. Pleasantly surprised. Not by man's words, but by God who used one very excited, like-minded young woman to remind me what it is like to follow His call.

Thanks for the reminder, "B". Yes, she reads my blog, and no, I didn't know that until this weekend. Makes me think a little bit longer about what it is I want to say and why I want to say it. The reason I started this blog was to share our journey. To encourage others who find themselves in similar life circumstances. To bring glory to our God who carries us through and chooses to use us, even though He doesn't need us to accomplish His purposes.

On this day when we remember how He accomplished His ultimate purpose on the cross, I pray that He will rejuvenate that excitement in me and that He will help me to follow Him, no matter what the cost. I pray that He will help me to be like-minded with Him.

How about you? Phroneo?

Living in His JOY, HOPE, and PEACE...



***Don't forget to pray for someone today!

2 comments:

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

Sounds like the long trip was well worth it, C.C.
Have a wonderful Easter. :)

He & Me + 3 said...

Wow...what a surprise! THat is awesome. I want to follow HIm too...no matter the cost!

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