Just Some Late Night Randomness..

Tonight I was thinking about how blessed I am.  I just filed my taxes (yes, even after filing taxes I can still feel like a blessed woman surprisingly!) and as I looked around my bed, that often serves as my desk, I noticed the various different Apple devices that I have purchased in the last year.  I began to think about how the Lord had really provided for me to be able to purchase these items that normally wouldn't have been able to purchase.  But through one way or another He provided the extra funds to purchase them.  I began to think about how I've wanted an iPad and a MacBook for years (yes, I do realize that this is a first world problem/desire) and when I least expected it I now have those items.  But then I began to think about what other people desire or dream of having in other nations and I am once again humbled.  There are people who just want to be able to have clean water.  Some food.  Others would like the peace of mind of being able to go a day without the looming threat of rocket attacks or bombs.  Simply having a place to sleep.  And the list goes on an on.  Suddenly I am humbled and it puts my life into perspective.  How many of us have wondered, "Why was I born in America and not in some third world country?"  I have many times.  Almost immediately after pondering that question I am struck with a sense of responsibility.  To whom much is given, much is required.  It's part of the reason that I have this resounding "go" in my spirit.  It's why I must go.  I'm not blessed simply to enjoy my life for myself but to enjoy my life by giving back to others.  It's to share Jesus and show His love to those in desperate need of Him.

I think that the catchy little phrase that is often said in Christian circles, "You're blessed to be a blessing," is true however I don't think that it goes far enough.  I think it falls much short of what we are truly called to do as believers and that is to lay our lives down.  Jesus was certainly blessed but He did more than just be a blessing to people, He laid His life down in every way possible by serving people and certainly by physically laying His life down.  Perhaps a better phrase (but it likely wouldn't be as popular) would be, "You're blessed to lay your life down."  You're blessed to be a blessing has this happy undertone.  It's very feel good and happy.  At least to me.  But in reality when we are truly serving people and laying down our lives there is an aspect of deep fulfillment but there are also moments of pain.  There's a bit of struggle at times.  But that is real.  It's the road less traveled.  When you look down that path it has some narrow dusty roads that may have overgrown thickets.  It doesn't look pretty but the end result is well worth the journey.  And along the way while we are blessing others by laying our lives down we emerge from the end of that journey a stronger more beautiful person.  It's the road I choose.  Because greater love has no man than this but to lay his life down for his friends.