I read an article this morning that prompted me to finally sit down and write an entire blog post. Yes, I know, it's been almost 4 months so this article must have been something, huh? I guess, but really this has been on my heart for a while. The idea of trading the Good (in the here and now) for the Greatest (now and forever).
Living relatively alone in the midst of hundreds of people still brings me ample time to think on my past and my future. I realize the best things in my life, spiritual or other wise, have come from giving up what I (and the majority of the world) considered to be the Good--romantic relationships, money, nights out, entertainment, security, in-person friendship and the comfort of my best friends, the opportunity to eat healthy and workout in a gym. Even those things that the Christian world calls dear-- discipleship, a church that feeds my soul, accountability, Christian roommates, organized service opportunities, sharing a meal with those who love you and call you friend. As well as the countless sins that entrap you to enjoy the Good while the Greatest remains 30 yards down the field, seemingly never to be grasped or to be sought after next week, next month, next year. All this Good, I have tearjerkingly, painstakingly, not-so-effectively-most-of-the-time been trading for the Greatest--sweet time with my Savior, sometimes via podcast or a good book and sometimes just sitting and listening. GOSH how hard this is when my Twitter and Instagram feeds live within an arm's reach at all times. And then there's been those times lately instead of living in my little room and watching countless hours of some terrible TV show, I choose to sit with my neighbors even though at times I want to scream because I am so frustrated at our language barrier. This sacrifice isn't groundbreaking, it's what I signed up for. It's being a present member of this relationship to God I committed to about 13 years ago. Just like an absent father, an over-indulgent wife, or a technologically-crazed teenager, I have been in this relationship without really committing much to it. The Good relationships come with quick satisfaction and menial sacrifice. The Greatest relationships come with the most sacrifices and long-lasting rewards.
Thank you to those who have stood along my path to sitting here in Thailand, whether you were cheering me on, picking me back up, or kicking my butt at times. God is renewing bodies and families here at the Juniper Tree, and he is renewing my heart daily to love him better. It's stinkin' hard work and I really don't always enjoy it, especially in the quiet hours of the evening, but it's the Greatest. This life is the Greatest. He is the Greatest.
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P.S. Update: Thank you for supporting me financially and through prayer. I have been blown away by God's provision for me through your donations and quality time in prayer. The Juniper Tree has gone from crazy packed busy to less busy to busy again over the past 4 months. My parents have joined me in Asia for 2 weeks which was such a blessing and now my best friend is coming in a week or so. I only have about 3 months left at the Juniper Tree, which is ridiculously crazy. Looking forward to finishing strong!
