“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?