…how time slips away. The words of that old song are ringing in my ears these days… metaphorically, of course. As I sit here on this cool beautiful Lord’s Day in Brno, CZ, so many things are running through my mind. Should I be completely honest? Should I be politically correct? Should I act and react like my Heavenly Father would expect? Indeed, I believe the last question would be appropriate.
What is running through my 51 year old American mind right now? You might be surprised. Here are just a few of what I have been mulling over these days:
- Thankfulness… that some close friends who were on their way to Brazil as volunteer missionaries are safe. Just yesterday as they were starting their flight from Memphis, their plane had tire damage discovered after take off and they circled Memphis dumping fuel to make the emergency landing less dangerous. The pilot was able to get the plan on the ground without a major incident and all of my friends are safe. Now, they are in Houston, TX waiting for the next flight to continue on their journey. I give thanks that the Lord kept them safe in this situation.
- Appreciation… for people like Tom and Bonnie Hearon who were the first official imb people that we met while we were in the process of seeking an appointment with them. Gosh, it seems like such a long time ago. If memory serves me well, We met them in the fall of 2008 in Jackson, TN and had coffee and talked about our past and our desire to serve the Lord as foreign missionaries. In an interesting twist of faith, they are now coming back to the field and will actually be in Czech Republic. How’s that for a coincidence?
- Love and Gratitude… for my wife and children who have always supported this decision to move away and separate our family as we seek to serve the Lord in missions and outreach. This decision has not been an easy one to apply or to live out but we trust in the Lord for wisdom and strength. God continues to grow and stretch us and mold us into the vessels that will be most pleasing to Him. I love my family and I love my God. It is hard to add much to that statement at the moment.
- Amazed… at how I recently received an email from a sister in Christ whom I have never met and is asking about personal items which her women’s group could assemble and send us as a “care package.” There is something extra special about people who care enough to show their love and concern in this way. To be completely honest,, this rarely happens anymore… so when it does, it is a special blessing!
I could go on but let me get back to the “time” reference. At this point in our lives as missionaries, we have been a part of an amazing organization for at least pieces of 4 years… starting officially in 2009. As of this writing, in less than 4 months we will wrap up a 3 year term as Masters Missionaries with the International Mission Board. In some ways this time has flown by and sometimes, it seems like an eternity. Through it all, the Lord has taught us, challenged us, molded us, blessed us, and at times… dipped us into the spiritual smelting pot. The fires of that smelting pot are not easy to bear but they purify us and prepare us for battle. The impurities of the gold must be burned away before it can shine the brightest. I pray that soon, the Lord will reveal the next step of the journey for us and will allow us to shine even brighter for His Kingdom’s sake. Please continue to pray for us as we continue to walk this path with the Lord… amen.
