I've always been a person who focuses on the positive, but as I gained more responsibility, there was a part of me that felt like I needed to live very carefully...with a plan and a purpose, thinking responsibly and realistically all the time. There's nothing wrong with being responsible...and looking through a realistic lens helps give clarity and direction...but what if there's an adventure out there that doesn't make sense to the practical, strategic thinker (like me) who likes to have a plan and timeline in place before the journey begins?
As we begin a new year, I've been challenged to think beyond my natural boundaries. I want to live extravagantly in 2016. What do I mean by that? Here's an example of extravagant living...
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| Top-Jon and Stephanie with Isaiah(1). Bottom step-Savannah(9), Sophia(4) and David(6) |
My brother, Jon, and his wife Stephanie are headed to Tanzania, Africa on January 14 with their four beautiful children ages 9, 6, 4 and 1 1/2 years old. Their journey will begin in Dar Es Salaam, where they will reside for 6 months while Jon is completing linguistic and cultural training through Wycliffe Bible Translators. When this training is complete, they will move to Mbeya for 2-3 years, building a written language and serving the people group of Mpanda. They will return to the states for 6 months to itinerate, and then go back to Tanzania for another 2-3 years. Once a written language is recorded, they will be able to translate the Bible into the language of this people group.
Jon and Stephanie are going to a place they've never visited, living with people they've never met, in a culture they don't yet understand, learning a language they've never spoken with four children 9 years old and younger. Why? Because they have a passion to share God's love with a group of people who do not have access to written material that explains God's promises, hope and purpose for their lives. UNBELIEVABLE! I walked away from many conversations that we had over the holidays challenged to think BIGGER. I get anxious when faced with the simple challenges of life--finances, time and family management, complicated relationships etc., yet my brother is walking towards unknown and uncomfortable circumstances with great anticipation of what God was going to do in and through them. Our time together made me realize what extravagant living looks like, and illuminated how finite and limited my human perspective is.
Extravagant: 1) Exceeding reasonable bounds.
2) Unreasonably high in cost; exorbitant.
3) Extremely abundant; profuse.
4) Straying beyond limits or bounds.
Does Jon and Stephanie's decision to uproot their family and move to Africa exceed what most Americans would see as reasonable? Absolutely. Will the change in lifestyle come at a high price? Yes, leaving family, friends and the comforts of home has not been easy. Will the rewards be abundant? Without a doubt!
We aren't all called to serve in Africa, but we are called to live unselfishly and love abundantly. Ephesians 5:2 (MSG version) states, "Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravant. He didn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
Godly extravagance involves making decisions with regards to giving our time, effort and resources without putting ourselves first...living beyond the reasonable boundaries. As I interact with people, I want them to know that I genuinely care. My desire is that my presence has purpose no matter where I go...the grocery store, work, my child's school and especially in my home. As we begin 2016, may our days not be empty and inward focused. Bring light and hope wherever you go!
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 MSG.
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| This picture includes my parents, Jon and Stephanie and their family, and my family of 6. |
