After the snow has fallen...

Last friday, I hurried home from work (5mph over the speed limit, sorry state of Maine) with windows down and music loud; I called Phil when I was getting close, so he could be ready to hop into the car to get down to the beach for sunset. It was stunningly beautiful outside, 53 F Spring in the air and my soul was lifted. Yesterday...white-out conditions. It literally snowed from 6am until after 7pm. It wasn't our typical light, airy snow. It was wet, and dense, and the kind of snow your car gets stuck in when you stop for a red light in town. yuk. Today, the morning after, brillant and perfect. Snow lingers in every branch of every tree and bush. I notice animal prints left behind from nighttime visitors when I go to crank the car this morning in snow boots, robe, and beenie. With the rising sun, a sparkling light display ensues. Fresh, snow-covered landscapes appear to me as an endless supply of diamonds scattered on the ground for all-young and old, rich and poor-- to enjoy and revel in. Thank you, Lord, for this blessing. I've been reading David Platt's Radical-taking back your faith from the american dream. This morning, I completed the chapter entitled The great why of God. The concentration of this chapter was God's love for the world (not just His love for America). Platt draws attention to how many believers in the American church claim they are not called to world missions--that their 'call' is to their backyard, their neighbors, their community, their city, etc. He points out that the American church, in most cases, have made exceptions with the gospel. We say that the grace of God and the promise of abundant life in Christ is for us all (John 10:10) while in the same breath claim that the call in Matthew 28 to make disciples of all nations is just for a few whose 'hearts' are for the nations and whose passions are for the global mission of God. The truth is this, we do not add to, omit, or change the gospel in anyway. It is what it is (I am who I am--Exodus 3:14). If we claim to live as people who have been freed from our sin through the blood of the Lamb, then we will have a heart for all people, not just those in our backyard (or just for those who live in a land not our own). Its both/and, NOT either/or. The choices we make in our daily lives (whether here, or there) matter. They matter for the global purpose of God. Resources spent on beautifying our homes, upgrading cars, a vacation to a warm place in the middle of winter matter. I've also been reading Deuteronomy the last few days. The Lord our God has and will bless His people. Why? So that His people can and will be a blessing to the world so as to make Him name known and lifted High. It is for His namesake that we receive blessing and then bless. God is renewing my mind, my heart, my dreams, and selfish intentions. He is making me in this slow process that is not marked with extraordinary tales about me, but with steadfast markers of His love, His holiness, and His purpose in the world. Be encouraged after the snow has fallen, and in your waiting for spring.