I am an addict. I have been through the Starbucks Drive-Thru five times a week for the past 2 weeks. One day I was going about the normal routine when my heart was pricked as I glanced through my mirror at the car behind me. Rich, poor, artsy, black, white, happy, sad, confused.... they've all been there and they all need Jesus. I can decide to mind my own business or I can do something as simple as paying for thier drink, which could result in changing their perspective on that day or on their life and in turn changing others.
Starbucks Drive-Thru = 5 times per week
Consumption = 5 for me
Result = $4.00 each visit, $20.00 per week, $1,000 per year
Starbucks Drive-Thru = 4 times per week
Consumption = 4 for me, 1 for a stranger = 5
Result = $4.00- $9.00 per visit, $20.00 per week, $1,000 per year...
52 lives touched by selfless generosity
Starbucks Drive-Thru = 3 times per week
Consumption = 3 for me, 2 for a stranger = 5
Result = $4.00 - $9.00 per visit, $20.00 per week, $1,000 per year...
104 lives touched by selfless generosity
Maybe it's the little everyday things that we can use to change the world. How does someone explain the generosity of a complete stranger? If we've made them question, we've done our job... how are we supposed to tell them about a selfless Christ, if we ourselves continue to be selfish? Give of yourself... give of what comes first and matters the most to you.
My driving can be herrendous at times. Sometimes I think I'm hidden under a metal frame, behind glass windows. How many times have you cut someone off when they as a result of them cutting you off? How many times have you exhibited the finger or yelled out an obsinity while driving? The scariest part of this whole thing is that... many of us have things on our cars that share with the world that we are Christians.
If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. (Luke 6:29-35 NLT)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1 NIV)
I don't know how to explain it (of course, I'll try), but I have. I've changed my mind about things and made up my mind about others... realizing more and more how much I need grace in my life from God and from people.
(I told you I'd try) I've come to realize that living a life of purpose is not about "finding your purpose" but living in such a way that God can use you and will use you... and trusting that he is, whether you can see it or not. We forget about faith... so much about being a Christian is about trusting that God is working in our lives even if we can't always see it. So I've stopped waiting for that one inspirational quote or daring deed to present itself in my life... that's about me, not about God.
I've been hit with a lot of difficult trials over the last couple of months. God has taught me so much about myself and those around me. I've finally come to realize that part of praying for God to use me was being willing to be changed and go through painful situations in order to be a better servant of his. I used to find these things to be from the devil, but they were certainly from God... because I have only become a better person because of them. I used to not be able to get pass the pain to see the result. I am so thankful that God has equipped me with strength, though I know at times I will prove to be weak again.
I'm sick of arguing and debating. Unless I can help, I've stayed away from the issue... I've decided to stop wasting my time with those that don't want help and stop ignoring those that are crying out for it. We have so much to offer... why do we keep wasting our breath on those that don't want to listen, when so many are willing to? This has been an extremely hard transition for me, but I have felt so peaceful just giving all of my frustrations and rambles to God and just to being still and listening.
Some words of wisdom I've learned to live by:
People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of alterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest,people may cheat on you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness,people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa
That last part always makes me think... who am I living for? Sometimes we get mixed up in living for people and living to please people. I always want justice, always want fair, always want to be recognized... the reality is, there's going to be a lot of times when I will not be credited for something I've done, but it's been a slap in the face to be reminded that none of it is about ME... so why should I even care? Why do we get distracted so much with others when there's so much still to be improved in ourselves. I've learned to seek to improve in myself what I've found to be so difficult in others. Maybe just maybe instead of constantly judging others and letting the judgement of others decide what we think, we could look critically at ourselves and how God sees us, and live a life that would inspire others to do the same.
hey i heard you've been dating a pilot. that's a really smart move. in fact, i think that's what every girl should do. do you like it down there so far?
Yes, but can you imagine the anticipation of knowing exactly what's going to happen next? Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed to think that Christ was willing to go to the cross while knowing all along what He was going to have to go through.
when you see a shirtless gangster/hick squeegy-ing the inside of his windshield at the gas station. :) For all of you that have shown an interest... I am utterly exhausted and have never loved sleep so much in my life! I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you all, it's not because I don't care... it's because I honestly don't have any time. :/
I love you!!! Leave me comments and let me know how you're doing. I miss home. :(
Ha ha... most people would consider me to be a "manly" guy but I bald my eyes out the first night of my freshmen semester. So if you didn't cry like a baby like I did then you're already off to a better start than me.
Thinking of you today. Hope you are doing well, getting settled in and meeting a bunch of wonderful people! Looking forward to hearing of your journey!
