This week I have been attending a Family Ministry Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Every morning as I walk from my hotel to the Music City conference center, I pass by this park. Maybe it's because it's in the city, in the middle of skyscrapers, or maybe because I am not familiar with the city way of life, but I find myself noticing this park and the beauty of the greenery in the middle of buildings and busy streets. But there is something else I notice, something that seems to distract me from the beauty of creation within a city. The park is filled with homeless people. I notice that police stand watch at this park most of the day and night, probably because of disturbances in this area. In the midst of this beauty there is an unflattering picture of the reality of problems here.
There are problems and opportunities to do the Kingdom work. There are opportunities to give more of ourselves, our resources, our time and our talents. Seeing this picture of poverty and need every morning, didn't inspire me to think about how I could fix this problem, how I could make a difference in this situation. What I felt placed on my heart was this feeling of, what other opportunities in my life can I give more of myself and less to myself.
There was a song in the back of my mind, maybe It was a hymn or something, but the words, "Because I have been given much" keep ringing in my mind. So, I had to look them up...
Because I have been given much
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide (my) gifts from thee
With every brother that see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
my roof('s) sa(fe) shelter overhead
That he to(o) may be comforted
Because I have been blessed by
thy great love dear Lord
I’ll share thy love again
According to thy word
I shall give love to those in need
I’ll show that love by word and deed
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed
Because I have been given much, I too must give. That was what went through my mind every time I walked by that park. How often do we give and sacrifice out of convenience. Let me give, let me sacrifice, but when it is right for me and for my family. Let me serve You but in my own time and in my own comfort. I don't know about you but I do this way too often. I am willing to serve, but on my own terms. But I don't think that is the type of discipleship that Christ calls us to.
This past semester I read about the story of the Willow Creek Community Church that was founded by Bill and Lynne Hybels. Their story was one of extraordinary sacrifice and trust. It was a journey that took tremendous risk. Their story was one that often times, things did not work out the way they planned. Many times they came close to financial failure, numerous issues with staff and trust in their vision and leadership. When everything else around seemed to crumble, they held onto their relationship with God, and that is what sustained them, time and time again.
I believe we are called to live with intentionality. I believe we are challenged to live a daily life of, how can I give more of myself and less to myself. There isn't too much that we can sacrifice for Christ's sake because He has already paid the ultimate sacrifice. I believe this way of living is difficult and will require much sacrifice. But if we sustain ourselves through our relationship with Christ, our work will be fruitful.
Foster care and adoption is something that has been placed upon my heart. I come from an adopted home and am forever grateful for the family that chose me and gave me opportunities and continues to love me. I also have this feeling in my heart that because I have been given much, I too must give. Sometimes I don't feel like I have a lot or enough, but it is in those moments that I am slowing drifting from Christ. When I move toward Him, I feel affirmed that I am enough and I have enough to give. So, last Spring, I began to take the classes to become a foster parent. I wasn't able to complete them due to my seemingly busy schedule. This Fall was another opportunity to take the classes and I am going through that process.
I am excited about this adventure. Excited for the child or children placed in my home. I am nervous. Nervous about the child, nervous about my ability to provide and sustain and nervous about am I enough. But as I go through this process and as I prepare, I keep resting in this idea of because I have been given much, I too must give. I don't have a lot, but what I have is more than enough.
Where I am now, I am challenging myself to live with intentionality, to live with the mindset of giving more of myself and less to myself. I believe that is the challenge to us all as faith followers of Christ. Because we have been given much, we too must give.
