I had a conference call last night with the team going with me to the orphanage in October to serve. I talked for nearly a full hour about why we do what we do and how we do it. Near the end of the call, I shared something that I share every time.
Expect to have a day—or a few days—that you find yourself thinking, “What in the world am I doing? Why did I commit to this?” Every time I go, inevitably, I have a few of those moments when I hear a small voice in the back of my head planting doubt and fear and trying very hard to grow it. In those moments, remember this moment right now when you were excited, encouraged, felt that assurance that you were right where you were supposed to be and that you were moving forward in the good work that He’s laid out for you. Don’t be surprised by the doubt; expect it, be honest in it and share it, and let us help remind you of the truth.
Here I am. Not even 12 hours later. I’m looking at this image on the screen in front of me.
And, I hear the voice.
What in the world are we doing? Why did we commit to this?
I can easily rattle off a list of why this was a crazy idea—he doesn’t speak English, he’s older, he’s scared of cats (yes, that made it to my list), meal planning and prep is going to be tricky, I know nothing about his special need, he’s bigger than Lydia…what if he bosses her around? what if he doesn’t like her? what if he doesn’t like us?, he’s sharing a room with Drew…what if he doesn’t want to sleep there?, I have to keep up with my counseling schedule…I can’t leave Mark here with our 4 and this child too.
I sat down with my coffee in my green chair, trying to settle enough to read a little before my to-do list and four children overwhelm the day.
So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ….So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
And, just like that, the reset button has been pressed.
Nothing has changed. He’s still 8 years old, not 3, and taller than Lydia. He’s still scared of cats. He’s still Chinese.
But, He is who He is. That hasn’t changed either. I’m choosing to see things from His perspective. This is going to be hard. But, this is the life of love He’s called us to. This is the wardrobe He’s lovingly laid out for us. He’s gently nudging us even in our hesitation saying, “Go ahead. Try it on. I promise it fits perfectly.”
Here we go.