Life is made up of hundreds of millions of moments. Some naturally
grand and others quite insignificant. Yet each one, when given its proper
recognition, chastens its participant to stop, breathe, and drink it in. I’m
learning, however slowly, to take these moments as they come.
One such moment happened about two weeks ago, as I once more
boarded a plane that would take us to our next speaking engagement. This time somewhere
in the great state of Ohio. I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite
parts of flying, (other than the obviously delicious, free snacks), is when the
plane reaches its “cruising altitude” and the captain alerts all passengers
that it is then safe to use portable, electronic devices. That directive really
only means one thing to me: music. I love music. It speaks to me and beckons my
imagination to follow wherever it may lead. I don’t know if it’s simply the
music, or if it is the magical combination of cloudy vistas and beloved
melodies, but somehow listening to music while flying has always been one of my
favorite things.
So at 30,000 feet; somewhere between St Louis and Memphis,
my mind begins to wander, pulled along by a familiar James Taylor melody. What
a rich three and a half months it has been here with Axis. A mental slide show
begins to play images of schools, churches, students, teachers, parents…each
one with a story that in God’s amazing grace I have now become privy to. I
smile at the jokes and the silly things I’ve experienced whether it be a
learning a cheer routine in Houston, TX or using mac-and-cheese as dip for
Tostitos in Seattle, WA. Conversely my heart begins to break as I recall the
stories I’ve heard of struggles, suspicions, and sins. I look out the cabin
window and witness the passing of another plane. I wonder if there is anyone on
board there watching us pass them as well.
These are beautiful memories that I hold. I think back to
the five days we just spent in New Iberia, Louisiana. I am hard pressed to
think of a more beautiful place that we have travelled to this semester; to
wake up in the morning and have my devotions on the dock alongside a lazy bayou;
after trips to the Northwest, the sun and temperature there were welcome
realities. But more than just the lovely local of Louisiana, (and some of the
best food I’ve ever had), we were blessed by such amazing host families once
again. Axis would be a much lesser ministry if it lacked this aspect of living
life together with people in the community. Because now the story of Axis is
enriched by knowing people like the Mahoneys and Prentiss’. And we pray that
their stories as well have been blessed, as our lives have connected with
theirs.
The day before we left, Dr. John took us out on his boat to
explore the bayou. On the back of that boat, there is chair that, (because of
its relative height in relation to the others and not because of any real
prestige due it), was reserved for who Dr. John called “The Queen of the
Bayou”. I’m sure you can imagine who sat there. Yup. Another moment. As we sped
down narrow water ways lined by cypress trees and cat-o’-nine tails…my soul
welled up with hallelujahs.
What a gift this semester has been. Yes, it has been
challenging. I don’t think I’ve ever been so frustrated or proud of myself.
It’s incredibly hard to build relationships that earn you the right to speak
hard truths into a person’s life, yet with knowledge of having to say goodbye
in such a short amount of time. To be constantly “on”, be it physically,
mentally, emotionally, or spiritually is exhausting and there have been moments
in which I’ve doubted my ability to just do the next thing. Yet God has blessed
every step of the way, with His infinite grace and boundless love. Not because
we are deserving of it. But because that is Who He is. GK Chesterton once
wrote, “The cross opens its arms to the
four winds; it is a signpost for free travelers.” The grace of God is free
to all! May the weary sojourner find rest in the One who paves the way before
him. As I sat on the plane, gazing out on a penetrating blue sky, faint strains
of David Crowder’s “O for a Thousand Tongues” echoes somewhere in my
subconscious, calling my attention to the reality of the boundless love of God
that would call someone like me, or an organization like Axis, to join Him in
pointing others to the signpost of the cross.
Jesus told his disciples, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10). I am reminded
of what I have received. How could I hold on to it as if it mine alone? If the
very Son of God did not consider His deity something to frantically cling to,
and instead took upon himself our broken form in order to present us redeemed
before Almighty God, how much more so should I be willing to simply take the
glorious free riches made available in Christ and share them with all I meet?
Why is the call to deny myself so difficult?! It’s not because I don’t want to
share. But there is a fear that somehow in the end I’ll be “used up” myself. To
obey God is only as hard or as easy as it is to believe His promises. May my
heart be overcome by the truth of God’s great and precious promises, and in
turn may I be quick to obey and freely give what I have undeservedly received.
I start up from my reverie to a line from a favorite Rich
Mullins’ song,
“Oh you meet the Lord in the furnace, a long time before you meet Him
in the skies.
Where you are, ain’t where you wish you was.
Oh your life ain’t easy. And the road is rough.
But where you are, is where He
promised to be.
From the ends of the world. to every point of a need.”
As my soul clings to this promise of God’s eternal presence;
may my quick obedience surely follow.
I’m grateful for moments like these. Perhaps it was an
emotional stirring brought on by a view of stunning clarity coupled with
favorite songs. Perhaps. But maybe that’s why I enjoy hearing music while I
fly; it stirs up the artist within me. Not necessarily to create. But instead to
think beautifully.
