I received an email the other day. Now that I think about it was actually more of a comment in passing. “You guys live an exciting life.” The comment got me to thinking because I would not have described our life in that way. There are many words that I would use to describe our life but exciting was not one of them.
But now that I think about it I can see how someone might say that our life is exciting. First because we have pretty much have dedicated our lives to helping others. The church, pastor’s conference, the orphanage, etc. All with the goal of helping others. Secondly because we have the opportunity to see things that the average person does not get to see. We have been able to see some stuff. Seeing the largest salt field in the world in Bolivia was fun. Macchu Picchu was breath taking. Trying to maintain our balance in the highest city in the world was challenging. Rio de Janeiro was by far the most beautiful beach this Nebraska native has ever seen. From an outsiders point of view I can see how someone might say we live an exciting life.
But the strange thing is that the majority of the exciting things that people see on Facebook, Blogs or our web pages are simply things to help us maintain sanity. It is not that we going crazy. It is simply after almost 8 years on the foreign field we have finally found out that we have to make it a priority to sow into our sanity. So I guess what some would say is excitement I would say is a necessary.
The strangest thing in the world to me that I am still trying to figure out how it works is how something can be the most fulfilling thing in my life and at the same time and also the most frustrating. The hardest thing and the most enjoyable. The loneliest and the praise worthy. The most exciting and the most scary.
I know by sharing this post that I run the risk of writing things that may not be relevant to everyone that will read it. I usually try to stay away from writing things from my missionary gracing because… let´s face it… not everyone is a missionary. But I think for the most part we can relate that in the middle of all of this struggle to do what is pleasing to God there must be an element of excitement. Without that I do not think that we would all remain sane.
So do we live and exciting life. Yes and no. If that makes sense?
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What a great assessment of your life. Maybe a good way to look at it for all of us “average” day-in-day-out people is, it is like parenting only on a 100 fold scale. The hardest yet most rewarding job on earth. We as parents, just like you as missionaries are helping to form & mold each precious heart. After a long stretch of that, even as much a you love it you NEED a “date night” or in your case a mini-vacation. So, be encouraged even on those tough days, you guys are doing an amazing thing. Blessings always & enjoy that exciting life. ;o)
I like Heather’s response…but to add to it is you’re trying to raise a “nation” so to speak or a Christian community in Bolivia. I think that knowing you’re fulfilling your God given calling is the most rewarding (at least I feel that way). It stretches us and challenges us the most and pushes us to grow and use our faith in ways never thought of before…yet has some of the best rewards – in this life and in the next as well!
By all means never feel guilty about your exciting times NOR your date nights, etc. I believe that’s God’s way of refreshing and refilling you in order to continue on the journey he leads you!!
Blessings!
I hear you. Just as it is necessary to eat in order to work, it is necessary to play or seek stimulation to keep serving day after day. Maintaining your sanity – whether that means bowling for you, running for Angie, date nights, family nights, vacations, or whatever – is far preferable than being burned out our unbalanced.
Heather, Thanks for the comment. I would not say average people. A parent is a pretty steep calling as well. People are always saying we are doing great things. I often struggle with that. Sometimes I feel it is as much for me as it is for them. I pretty much needed a way to show love in a practical way. Thanks for the comment.
Libby, Amen. Never been so elastic in my life. At one time I thought I was changing a nation. Now I am okay with just surviving and doing what I believe God wants me to do. But you know that. From your comment I think we will have more date nights.
Marti, That seems like it has been the challange of my life lately. Sometimes it is just flat out hard stinkin work that some times has no end in site. Glad that the play times are exaggerated as well. Super fun and super hard. How that works I do not know but it does.
What a great view of your lives! I like that thought, “sowing into your sanity.” I think I could definitely see the wisdom of that.
What I love most about your life is that you are listening to Him. It inspires me.
Thank Annie. I took me a while to come that conclusion.
Roxx,
Thanks. Now that you mention it I guess that is what is happening..