Power is out at our house, went out some time early this
morning. We awoke to the computer battery backup screaming at
us. It's pretty normal.
For some reason our water tank is also empty. That must mean that we have some kind of leak. We just spent a small fortune repairing our
well….so, who knows?
Almost 20 years ago, we were not adequately warned about this missionary reality. Most days involve some kind of unexpected twist;
power outage, no water, an hour-long line at the bank, a new beggar with a more
convincing tale, internet inexplicably down, flat tires, friends with disastrous
marital problems, dengue fever, robbery and road blocks for campaigning. 19 years later, nothing is simple.
In the middle of the mess, I often forget the privilege of
sharing the love of Christ and the beauty of His gospel. It’s so easy to fall into a life of
complaining and complacency. If you add
a dose of loneliness or self-pity you can become completely paralyzed. Or I
can.
My only solution could be thankfulness and generosity. I could look around and see the wonderful way
that God has provided and the ministry opportunities that we have been given. I could praise God for the crazy difficulties
that are somehow forcing me to mature a little.
I could passionately
minister to the fledgling flock and give of myself with reckless abandon. I could be generous without constantly being
cynical. The love of Christ compels us…me.
Hey…the power is back on….water comes out of the faucet…Thank
you, Jesus….I wonder where the leak is….?
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