Just a Thought

So, I've been waiting to take a trip to Africa since I was about 13 and now we leave in only 13 days.  Crazy, but I am beyond excited!  Marci and I were talking about it today and we both agreed we are definitely not mentally ready for this trip.  How can we be, though?  We are traveling half way across the world to a place that is so much more destitute than any place in the U.S. and, even then, most Americans can probably only imagine the physical state that some of these African people live in.  So, no.  We are not mentally prepared for this trip.  But then I was thinking. . . that doesn't even matter.  The only preparing that we need to care about is our spiritual preparedness. 

I am proud to say that the 6 of us taking this trip--Me, Alleshia Fritz, Lydia King (my mom), Marci Rogers, Kim Phillips, and Jeff Phillips--just concluded the most challenging Bible study I have ever taken a part in.  We read Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper and did a study that accompanied it.  It slapped me around a little bit.  Piper's whole point throughout the book was, "Do you want to 60, 70, or even 80 years old looking back on your life one day and be having to seriously ask yourself, 'Did I waste my life?'".  I definitely do not want to have to ask myself that.  And even beyond that, I want people to look at my life and be able to tell that I didn't waste my life.  I pray that you have the same dream for your life. 

I was so blessed to be able to do this study at a younger age because I have so many years ahead of me to fulfill, but I can say I still have wasted many years of my life:  trying to please too many people, worrying about what people think, being afraid of uncontrollable circumstances.  None of it is worth it compared to the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ; none of it even matters.  God did not die a brutal, uncomfortable death for us on the cross so we could live comfortable lives.  He died for us so that we could live audacious (Beach Camp reference) lives for Him.  The only goal for our vapor-like existence should be to live for and to please the God who created us.  That's it! 

Obviously this is all easier said than done . . . that's a given.  Living the Christian life is the hardest thing any of you will ever do, but it is SO. WORTH. IT!!!!!! 

I will say this as I jump off my soap box:  I pray for Christ-like ambition to intrude and guide your hearts if you are willing to live an audacious, God-inspired life.  I also ask a favor from all of you readers.  If you would not mind, please be praying for our team that is traveling to Kenya.  We leave on July 19th and return 9ish days later.  Please pray for our safe travels and that the people we minister to can see Christ through us. 

Thank you so much and may God bless your life!
-Meghan