After my initial freak out, I realized this request WRECKED me! I couldn't stop crying all day. I was overwhelmed with the bigness of God working through this young man. I was in awe of how God pursued him relentlessly, knowing He had plans for him. I was also extremely grateful that God gave me the chance to have front row seats and be a small part of Ricky's journey.
It was an experience I will never forget.
That night when I went to bed I looked over at Bryan and cried, "I want everyone to have front row seats! I wish they could experience something like I did today because it was such a blessing! I want everyone to 'get' that investing in the lives of others is so worth it because you end up being blessed ten-fold! I know that sometimes it's hard, time consuming, messy, and even hurtful to walk alongside people, but if everyone could even catch a glimpse of what it's like to see God's amazing works through others they would all want to be a part! It's not just about being able to baptize others. It's being a part of their weddings, graduations, funerals, baby showers, housewarmings, sports events, piano recitals, and life in general. It's watching people take baby steps, falling down, helping them get back up, dusting them off, and pointing them in the right direction. It's seeing them own their relationship with Jesus, use their gifts and talents to give back to others, go on mission trips, teach in church, lead worship, grow small groups, have good marriages, and be lights in the world!"
"Bryan, why doesn't everyone want to do this? Don't they see? The last 20 years with Jesus and loving on people has been like having front row seats to the most epic movie ever! I can't imagine doing it differently! It's not because we are great people it's because we serve A GREAT GOD!"
My husband looks at me to see if I am finished with my exuberant speech and simply says, "Kimberley, many think the cost is too high."
Huh? NO! I will not take that answer anymore. When I think of the cost I think of the cross...I am so glad Jesus didn't look at me and think, "Hmmm this one really is kind of a screw up. She is drama, has a lot of baggage, and she keeps making the same dumb mistakes. This girl is broken; it will take too much work. She is not worth it." I will continue to shout it and I am a LOUD girl, that loving on others IS WHAT WE WERE MADE FOR! This is not something good Christians should do, it should be WHO WE ARE! God is inviting us to sit in the front row seats cheering people on in His name!
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
