How often do we (well I) look to the future we hope to happen and miss out on the things that are taking place in the present and the joys that sneak up on you from your past.
I'll start with the joys from the past. It is pretty easy for me to think I didn't accomplish much as a young life leader and blame myself for the places I see my guys in now. God doesn't let us sit in this place very long, mainly because its sinful and just not true. Over and over again the past year He's revealed to me the impact I had on Stafford High School. I can't fully express the encouragement I get from seeing Eric, Mark, Phil, and Josh lead young life. Even more than that to know they love the Lord and desire to seek Him as this point of their lives. To know that Ben is in a place with people I love and who will love him as the Lord loves him, is peaceful. God is in charge not me, and that is something we can all be thankful for. I was able to talk shortly with Petey and Charles, two guys who will forever be on my heart and I have to give over to the Lord to know He's got a plan and a time for both of them. We can never underestimate the work we do for the Lord no matter for how long or how poor a job we think we do.
The present, it's a tricky place to find oneself and ironically we never leave it. I don't like being in the now, I try to analyze it through the thoughts of the past and can't stop thinking about what the future could be. Chris and Lauren came to visit this weekend and it was wonderful. I was able to have them over and throw a little dinner party for them and the people we all love. It felt right and it was a great chance to relish in the present. I talk about how I'm really happy right now, and its true. I love the place the Lord has me and I don't plan on going anywhere soon. I love the present, presently. But I know if I'm not careful I'll fall right back into planning out what the best future is for me and living in a world of made up life and excitement.
And last but not least, the future. As I mentioned earlier it is very easy for me to dwell in the future. I find comfort in planning it out, with all the possibilities wether real or not, there is something comfortable for me in the unknown. However, me resting in the future is sinful, it keeps me out of the present and serving the Lord where He wants me.
In listening to Tomorrow Night I couldn't help but think about how I wait for tomorrow night in hopes of what will happen and then realize what I might be missing out on in the now. I don't want to miss out on the now in hopes of the future anymore. I don't know how to do this yet but I'm going to figure it out and make sure the Lord is a part of it, I'll keep you informed on my progress.
