We are called to answer The Call
It was been FOREVER since I’ve written. I went up to Raleigh, NC to visit one of my dear friends… a missionary in Mali Africa… she’s home for the summer…well.. I suppose home is Africa…but she is in the states for the summer. Anyhoo… I returned from my trip sick (what is the deal with my immune system these days)…. and now I am awaiting the arrival of my parents for the weekend…. so things are crazy… but one thing that I realized while I was away was that I love my family… I missed my family… and I love what I do. I know these all seem very common sense and crazy that I would say I love my family… but honestly… I was sort of “done” when I left. I SOOO needed a get-a-way… but sometimes it takes missing your loved ones to realize the blessing in them… so that’s what this past week was for me. I am very blessed and thankful. My friend said something that really stuck with me…she was talking about some of the struggles in Africa…”You know we are called to answer the call… and sometimes the call hurts.” I needed to be reminded of that. We are called to be examples of Christ first and foremost… our allegiance is to Him. I think about all of the times I decided to allow my pride to win in an argument with my husband… or the times I just chose to yell at my kids because I was angry instead of exerting a Christ-like patience. Swallowing our pride… settling as the “peacemaker” instead of the winner….choosing prayer and a quiet heart instead of anger…all of these things are very difficult… and sometimes leave us “wronged”… but we are called to something higher….. and sometimes that call hurts. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense….but I am called to follow the commands of Christ. I am understanding more that passage in the bible when Jesus was talking about turning the other cheek. I have always thought that turning the cheek is about us being meek and small and weak…but it’s not. It’s the harder road… it is for the stronger…it is for bolder…it is for those strengthened in Christ. I don’t know if any of this is making any sense… I’m writing while my boys are watching Diego. :(
I just wanted to encourage all of you today to choose the higher call…..the one that hurts….but in the end… the one that will only bring us closer to our Lord. Use your difficulties today to strengthen you in Christ… not abandon your faith. As one of my dear cousins always says… “Obey what you know!” We know the truths of Christ are the TRUTH… they lead to peace and hope and joy. Blessings to you this day.
