I just got back from the Dominican Republic, and had a great “I’m not in Kansas anymore” time. Got to do some things and eat some things that are unique to me. Had to put up with the things that I would have preferred avoiding (met some viscious and hungry bugs that ate up my legs, their pipes can’t handle tissue paper so you put it in a trash can) and got to experience some great things as well. Got to go horseback riding. Of course my horse decided to sit down in the middle of the river as we were crossing with me on him. But, the most memorable are always the people.
I had been to this particular boarding school one other time. About three years ago, I met Ben Weber. He was a tall, athletic young man who was trying to figure out who he was and what he wanted to stand for.
On my last visit, I got to spend time with him and talk on several occasions. I don’t remember the specifics of those conversations, but I do remember praying with him and trying to encourage him. Ben was on a journey. He was trying to overcome his past and find a relationship with God that was close but seemed so far away. I know that I was not the only one who was speaking hope to him, but I am grateful that I got to share with him on some level.
Last week I found out that Ben died in a car accident on February 12th.
Ben graduated from the program in December and moved home to start a life. His faith was front and center even though he was still not perfect. He loved God and was trying to discover how his faith should affect his life.
Well, now, based on his decision to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, he is with Jesus, in Heaven. And, I am so glad I got to meet him.
His life/journey has been challenging me on several levels since I learned of his death. It reminds me to be kind, encouraging, and to pray for those that God brings across my path as I have no idea what God might use to break through someone’s spiritual walls.
Ben reminds me to let go of the past (whether good or bad) and pursue God in the moment. God is bigger than my past and his plans greater than what I have experienced.
And, his life reminds me to openly love and care for those that mean so much to me. In the DR i met Ben’s brother and girlfriend that are coping differently with the loss. Ben meant so much to them and it gives them some sense of peace to know how much he did care.
You never know what is going to happen in the future…so, don’t miss opportunities to love humbly, listen intently, and share as the opportunities arise.
Writing this morning from the Dominican Republic. Daniel White and I are spending the week at a boarding school for US kids that had been struggling back home. They come from many difficult situations. Substance abuse, mistakes in relationships with older people, anger/fighting.
Talked with one student last night who thinks God can never forgive him because he has hurt so many people. Says he is responsible for making a friend a parapalegic. He said he got another hooked on Heroine and he has now disappeared.
These students struggle with a common challenge that we all face. “How can God love me”.
See, some believe that God is loving, but they do not believe that extends past their imperfections. They assume that God’s grace and mercy has a limit. There is a line and they think they have crossed it. But, that is the challenge about understanding God and His love. He is bigger than we are. His ways are not our ways. Because we have never been extended true unconditional and limitless love, we do not think it exists. We are so conditional in our relationships, “I will love you if…or, I will love you as long as”, that we can’t grasp that type of pure, unadulterated, and amazing love.
See, God doesn’t choose to love us based on our behaviors. Actually, he doesn’t choose to love us at all. He just loves. It is not his response, it is who He is. The Bible teaches that God IS love.
Add into that fact that you are His idea. That He created you to have relationship with Him and you don’t have to earn His love. You can’t earn His love. You just need to learn to enjoy it.
God loves these students despite their junk. Beyond their mistakes He still adores them and wants them to be happy, healthy, and whole; walking in relationship with Him. And, he wants the same for you. Don’t fight it, just be grateful for it. Receive it with joy, even though you don’t deserve it and can’t quite understand it.
Let His love hit your heart and offer you hope.
Perhaps you saw my facebook/twitter post saying that I got pulled over yesterday for doing a 31 in a 20 mph school zone. I have to say, other than breaking the law, I was rather proud of myself. I actually think I surprised the officer who came to my window.
Instead of arguing or rationalizing when he said, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”, I simply responded, “I could guess”. When he asked why I was in such a hurry, I said I wasn’t, I just wasn’t paying as close attention as I should.
I could find spiritual application in this situation many different ways, but I will stick to just one…well, maybe two.
First one…stop trying to get away with things. I have this unspoken pride in my life that I have not had many tickets in my life, but the truth is, if you continue to ignore the laws it will catch up with you. Same goes for God. When you try to push the limits and ignore God’s convictions (those speed limit and stop signs that we sense as we journey through life) it is just a matter of time until it catches up. We will not be able to hide it forever. We will get caught.
Secondly, we need to be paying attention to what God is saying. When I was in my car, I was just floating along. Wasn’t looking at my speedometer and wasn’t noticing the signs. Spiritually, I can do the same things. If I live in my convenience and comfort, I don’t ask God to lead me, guide me, mold me, and shape me. And, that is not how we as believers are to live. Join me in praying Psalms 139:23-24 every day…it will change your life in amazing ways.
“Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24