“Would you Rather...?”
There's this game my kids love playing
on long road trips. It goes something like this.... “mom, would
you rather eat a sandwich covered in glue or jello with pickles in
it?” I try and try to get out of making a choice but ultimately I
need to choose one.. or the other. This games goes on and on and gets
grosser each “would you rather” question. My kids giggle and
squirm until they challenge each family member. I was reminded of
this silly little game the other night as I was drifting off to
sleep. It was in that moment I felt God nudge me.... Mandy..would
you rather stay here comfortable or be obedient in what I am asking
you..... not such an obvious and easy answer.
I used to walk down our county road in
Jordan night after summer night, exactly twenty years ago. It was a
painful walk as I was processing our familys' upcoming move. I would
never have expected what was to come. I never imagined finding a
church that would challenge my faith and influence my walk at such a
pivotal point in my youth. I never imagined meeting my best friend
and husband that would one day father our three children. I never
imagined that after getting baptized in my early twenties that
shortly later I would experience one of the most painful times in my
life. I never imagined at how a God so rich in mercy and grace would
pick up the brokenness in my life and turn it around for His glory
and goodness. I never imagined that my heart could love so much as
when we stepped foot in an orphanage in Guatemala. I never imagined
falling in love with four vibrant, beautiful girls who would later
call us mom and dad. And most recently, I never imagined even
entertaining the thought of fully surrendering to a call that has
tugged on my heart for years; a call in pursuing a life in ministry,
serving the people of Guatemala.
As I reflect on God's leading in my
life, I am reminded to trust Him with my whole being. Stepping out
of our comfort is never an easy transition. Mother Teresa was quoted
once saying,”don't ever hold onto something so tightly that God has
to rip it from the grip of your hand”. My life is not my own. I
was created in the image of God, made specifically for a purpose. If
God is calling, I am answering. What would you rather for your
life?
