The Journey to Now

Capturing a mental visual of my future was a challenge for me as a child. Questions like, "what do you want to do when you grow up?", never seemed to spark excitement in me. Whether I knew it or not, my hands were open to what God had for me. Probably for the best I didn't have much of a grip on my "dreams" because as a child I would have never imagined going into ministry, missions, and teaching. In hindsight, God had a plan of his own anyways. At times we aligned in desire, other moments I veered off the path toward my own dreams. Yet through it all, Jesus was always by my side; in the valleys and the mountain tops. 

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Following the Lord in faith has been exhilarating and terrifying! Though there are many events and experiences I would not have chosen for myself (and some I still would like to not go through again), every calamity and trial has a harvest of maturity. His Spirit has guided me in decisions for work, when to transition, who to invest in, where to serve, how much to give, when to say "no" and when to say "Yes!"

 

So far, this sojourner has been lead on a missionary path that has lead me to all corners of the world. To no credit of my own, I've been given time and resources to acquire degrees and experiences that have shaped my perspectives. Still, in all of the accolades, skills, and scarring seasons, I believe my soul is nostalgic for the child-like simplicity I once had, that didn't care so much to be asked "what will you do when you grow up?" Because at this point, I'm just not sure when I will grow up!

 

It is a much better to ask questions, like: "Who do you want to BE as you grow up?" "What kind of influence do you want to bring into a room, into a friendship, into a crisis?" "Who will your legacy glorify?" 

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...I want to be known as a man that laid down this temporary life for God's love to be known by all who walked by me on my way to Heaven.