I just finished reading James’ letter to the scattered churches. James reminds me a lot of a good pastor friend of mine who helped guide me to the arms of Christ. Not that he’s a saint or anything…but his likeness is more in his desire to challenge the church. His desire to challenge the status quo. His desire to challenge the rituals and his heart for the truth beneath “the seen.” I miss Dave sometimes. He’s off with his family in southern Indiana, but recently I ran into him unexpectedly…isn’t it cool how God mixes our stories together?
My first exposure to the gospel was an ethos that held “the system” in low regard and “the Wind” in high regard. I’m really lucky…but, as I said before, isn’t it cool how God directs our stories? I’m so glad that someone (a friend of mine back in Jr. High) took me to church. I’m so glad that I found a church family that loved deeply and served joyfully.
Ever since those first breaths as a Christian baby so many years ago (12 years or so…not that many I guess), life has had so many twists and turns. Mistakes I’ve made, joys I’ve been a part of, days I wish would never end, smiles I will never forget, moments I would love to forget, and a journey that’s been unpredictable. Sometimes the wind moves us. Sometimes our volition guides the day. Yet, when our volition meets the wind, I’m compelled to believe the journey has only begun.
Some days I wish would fly by. Some days I wish my hands did more than simply get the job done. Other days are an orchestra of the things we’ve longed for and suddenly stepped into. The music is so beautiful, isn’t it? But, to be honest, the music doesn’t always play. Some days I think I’ve blown it. There are times that I wish I could sleep and the melody of the orchestra would cause me to arise.
Last night we had a really strong storm blow through Terre Haute for about an hour. My wife and I went out on the front porch and experienced the smell and strength of the wind. It was great! While we were out there, we talked about our little child that is on the way. We can’t believe it’s almost here (I say “it” because we think it’s going to be a girl…but I guess you never really know until…). We find ourselves becoming really impatient. The baby is going to be so beautiful…we just want to hold her and love her and share our lives (never mind all the messy stuff). But as we’ve learned over the past 8 and a half months…you have to wait. As we were talking we discussed how the really great things in life take work, and time, and…patience.
So, to bring this thing to a close. The wind of God is moving. Are your sails up? Are you making yourself available? Are you preparing your heart? Maybe there is no movement right now…but…(I hate this part) be patient. Do what you know to do. Go where you know to go. Then, look for God’s story unfolding around you…it will.
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8)
Leave me your thoughts. What have you learned about the wind? What have you experienced on the journey? What are you preparing for? Sometimes it really stinks to wait. But, don’t simply wait…prepare! It’s still tough though. But, isn’t the music more sweet and the breeze more revitalizing? Anyway…that’s my two cents…leave me yours…
Chad
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