Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth until eternity" -Hosana from Hillsong United
These lyrics consume my heart every time I hear them and I stay singing them inside my head for weeks. I ask myself what really matters in this journey of life: the perfect job, a big house, renovated kitchen, new car, leisure trips around the world, your kids clothing? Do any of these things break God's heart? If God placed me on earth for the specific purpose of glorifying Himself and intends to use me, though He does not need me, to draw others close to Him while gaining a better understanding and deeper love for Him why do we spend so much time chasing after things that don't matter? God created us all individually with different interest and desires. What area has He shown you that breaks His heart? What actions are you taking or are you simply ignoring Him because it is not comfortable or because your life is too busy?
My heart breaks at the injustice and judgement of people by other people. God created all of us in His image and in individual ways for his glory. He never fell asleep on his job and woke up surprised at how a person turned out. He never simply forgot to give a person certain talents and gifts. Psalm 139: 13-14 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." No one is more valuable than anyone else. It may just be the very thing we judge someone for is the very unique characteristic God gave them specifically to accomplish His will on earth. God shows me this in the work He does in my own family. We are blessed with four wonderful children. God uses Logan to bring to bring a fun-filled spirit into our house. His curiosity about so many things keeps us on our toes, especially his questions and knowledge about God. His urgent need to tell everyone about salvation through Jesus is humbling to Preston and I. God also teaches Preston and I a lot about grace, His love for us His children, and acceptance through the way Logan loves ALL people. Nathan always exudes pure joy. His smile and the lighting up of his face can turn anyone from sad to happy. His determination and hard work are an example I try to follow my own life. Mia accomplished more in her 9 hours of life than more of us do in a lifetime -she united Nations in prayer and brought many people to their knees before the thrown of God who had not been there in a while. I often think how neat it must be to enter heaven's gates and have God tell you, "well done my good and faithful servant" at such a young earthly age. The way Owen can hardly catch his breath when he laughs because it is so hilarious to him makes his personality so contagious. Everything he does is with extreme passion...Georgia Tech and baseball. He works so hard in school tells me every day that he got to play with Jo (Mary Jo his aid) and Maggie.
One thing God gave our family that is unique from most is two boys with cerebral palsy. It is an incredible blessing because we see God use Nathan and Owen in ways He could never use us because we don't have CP. Our mission trip to Lebanon would not have been as meaningful without them and their CP. God is developing Logan's character far beyond his years and his love for all people through his brother's CP. Logan is also an incredible example to others about loving kids with disabilities through his natural love for his brothers.
So, what breaks my heart is the judgement of people by their appearance and perceived worth to your own personal life. As I have learned there is much more worth to a person than what is seen on the outside.
The other thing that breaks my heart is exploitation of people through so many purchases we make from sweat shops. God gave me the privilege to travel to Cambodia a couple years ago and I saw it first hand. Four girls in a concrete room, one bed with no mattress that only three can fit on so they take turns sleeping on the floor. A toilet, tiny window and hot plate finish out the room. The girls make about $67/month working 70/week in a factory with no AC. The room cost them $20 each/month and an additional $2 for a light. I with clear conscious cannot say it is okay to support this injustice through my purchases so our family no longer shops at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Land's End, Kohls, or any clothing from Target. No matter the "sale" we will not spend our money in support. We shop as much fair trade as possible from clothing to coconut oil. We want to use the resources God has given us to glorify Him not to hurt His people in order to obtain more earthly possessions.
I desire every word that comes out of my mouth, every purchase that I make and every action in my life be to be for His kingdom's cause as I walk from earth until eternity.
If you made it to the end I am impressed. This one was extremely long!
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