T Minus
It’s a lot to brag about in advance. Part of me likes that it will force me to the courage to do what I’ve theoretically wanted to do for years.
Before It Was a Sparkle in My Eye
So, somewhere in there, I came upon New Zealand. And through a series of eliminations, I determined the only traveling companion who would work was Timmy.
The Grip of Sore Knuckles
Do I really want to pursue authentic Christian Community?” It was the same question as my wife’s, just framed in different words. Am I willing to change?
The Gravitational Pull of Mercy
In that way, I guess, I connect to David. Like the psalmist, my sin ironically drives me toward him and spiritual closeness.
Designed to Worship
But it was like I was trying to excuse my choice of not being a pastor, a thought many preachers’ sons probably struggle to extinguish. I enjoy design and writing. I just assumed growing up that the higher echelon of Christians all had talents they had to abandon to be vocational ministers.
DMV Daredevil
For now, I’ll keep finding the packs on interstates and beltways, where mob rule protects our 80-85-90-do-I-hear-95 fixes.
What's Left of Me
I don’t think I understand sacrifice or truly want to, but I’m probably closer than I was before today.
Long Distance Plans
And while it’s true that God doesn’t compare hearts by numbers, he does covet more from us than compliance to an artificial Christian brand. He called the Pharisee’s on it all the time, even dropped the “whited sepulchers” hammer on them.
Scraping My Baby Fat Knees
So I need not only to conquer the strongholds—the big challenges—but also to vanquish the small hurdles. Probably the latter first.
The Long Start
I’ve been on a journey . . . I’m not sure for how long. Well, it’s been more like wandering in the wilderness, albeit an artificially made one, while God made me and the future ready for a promising horizon.