I'm a Tent Maker

Things I'm wrestling with:

• Christology - Who is Jesus? Who did people think he was? Who did he think he was?
• Global Trends - A new mind for India, Iran, Europe, other parts of the world.
• Fall Break - Girls are dumb. (Just kidding, but really.)
• Backpacking Retreat - If (Girls are dumb) then {Screw it; Leave the country;}
• Missions Conference - There really is a place for me.

This semester has probably been the most difficult in terms of new ideas and challenging concepts that affect how I live. I'll focus on a few that I've wrestled with lately.


I had a lot of time to think over fall break.  I went from holding out for some relationship to develop, to becoming excited at the idea of graduating single. Break was quiet, but not restful.

The guy's RA backpacking retreat on the Appalachian Trail was my rest. While physically exhausting, the steady silent trek gradually allowed my mind to become cleared. Clear of the distress, distractions, and demands that have muddied up my thoughts.

For about as long as I can remember, missions has had a place in my life. Looking to the future, I don't think my calling is being a missionary. What is a missionary? Lets put it in these terms. What would a missionary look like in the US, doing what a missionary does? You'd probably call them a church planter, or a pastor; maybe an evangelist. Yes, all Christians are called to be evangelists, but I don't see that being my full time occupation.
I write software. There is a healthy job market, a stable demand, great compensation, and plenty of opportunities for software development. I've been trained, I feel that I'm gifted, and I enjoy it.

Packing all this together, what is my place? I don't want to just take part in hit-or-miss short term mission trips and be limited to writing checks. I want to be there. What is my solution? Do my work, abroad. I can do my type of work anywhere, so why limit myself to the US? I could work for a multi-national corporation and still do what I enjoy, while being active in a church. Its not at very different from what  living and working in the states would look like, but I'll be "making tents" in another part of the world.

5 Year plan:
• Graduate
• Pay off school
• Move abroad

Well, that's a great conclusion but now the question is where? Where do I get my first job and pay off my schooling?  Where do I go? These I do not yet know. It is freeing that I don't have to know yet. I'll figure that out. God has provided me with so many opportunities and options, and my task is to remain faithful and find out God's will in my life. 

Realizations

I will probably not be in Michigan for much more than a week again.

I would rather be with someone then be alone.

I graduate college in just under 7 months.

I should be studying for Christology.

I am supposed to be responsible.

I have a great job.

I am forgiven.

Wow.

Thoughts on Life

Currently listening to: Instead of a show, by Jon Foreman

I am so happy with life. I'm more blessed then I know, and I'm so happy to be back on my mountain. I've had an busy week of RA training and New Student move-in, but it has been really fantastic.

My impression of the work of an RA is definitely different then I originally thought it would be, but I have no doubt God will give me the strength. I knew about the administrative aspect, but that really is a pretty small part of the job. I find that the biggest assignment is to be intentional about every conversation, situation, and decision that it works for the building of the residents on my hall, the college community, and that Christ is proclaimed in act and word. Man, that is so tough. I called my Dad on move-in day and he said that is really what a life of ministry is. Its really the life the Christian is called to, and I believe thats really true. Check out I Peter 3:15, it really has some great insight into this.

In other news, I've found a new favorite on-campus activity: Swimming in Jackson Pond at night. Simply fantastic.

Follow up: Man, stealing is tempting. So far so good, but dang its tough. I just want to watch this one movie once, or help out a friend and reinstall his operating system. Crud, this is hard. But Grooveshark is fantastic.

Next Post: The Sabbath, does it really matter?