A year from now I want to have gone so deep that it hurts to shift and transition into years beyond college. My desire is to follow Jesus, and in this heart also is a little girl's request to stay here, to keep growing up and growing ever entangled in a beautiful, imperfect community. Here, this city. Something happened here, and I endeavor never to forget it, but instead to live my life ever in the context of the mysterious, beautiful work that God has wrought in my once icy, isolated heart. Deuteronomy 4:9 informs me that this would be wise :).
This city.
This city.
This city.
I love being here so deeply. Jeremiah 29:7 reports "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you."
The Fray's "It's For You" offers an echo of how much I want to lay down my life for Him in this city for now, and wherever forever.
when the winds come and they blow
when the rains turn to sleet and snow
when the waters rage at the sea
bitter cold but you warm me
it’s for you I walk through a storm
it’s for you I lay me down
there is nothing that I wouldn’t do for you
when you call I’ll be right there
i’ll turn my world right around for you
don’t you see, don’t you see I’m here
only for you I walk through a storm
only for you I lay me down
http://www.imeem.com/people/jqjlM7G/music/Oj6KCa4U/the-fray-its-for-you/
Tonight is fiery inside me, as I have a few more minutes, as long as He'll give me to influence this city for Him.
This piece from Comment's March 2009, 25-29, issue offers words for the passion:
"'Common grace' is a love note slipped under the door of an unexpecting world. Its beauty, serendipity and profligate generosity bear witness to God's deepest character and affirm His loving heart toward all He has made (Psalm 8, 19, 145). In doing so, common grace constructs signposts pointing even the most prodigal homeward (Acts 14:15, Acts 17:23). To labour in the public square for the public good is to join God in this work, true children of the One who ' causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good.' (Mt. 5:45)"
...Whether against traffic violations or human trafficking, we labour to bring goodness to others.
...Our role is to pray and act that God's justice and mercy will be reflected, however feebly, within our realm of influence. this is the Kingdom of God breaking forth- already, and not yet. The completion of the work is in God's hands. Our responsibility is simply this: to advance the causes we have been given in ways that consistently reflect the goodness, justice and mercy of God. This is success, whatever else transpires..."
...If we are to exercise influence wisely, we must tenaciously grip enduring principles, while contunially refining their particular application...
Influencing wisely means holding on to enduring principles, while always applying them with sensitivity."
I want to leverage everything I have to bring His truth to the people I get to touch and walk with in this city.
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