Decision Time

I'm at a point where I don't know what to do. It's not that one option is clearly selfish desire and the other is God's plan. I mean, that's obviously the case, but the two options could equally be either God's will or my selfishness. Does that make sense? I am looking at two different job opportunities, and they both seem good. I'm trusting that God has opened these doors, and He will continue to direct me in the way He's chosen. In the mean time, I really need His wisdom. I came across these lyrics, and I felt like they were speaking the things that my heart hasn't been able to formulate yet. Some of these things, I don't understand, and the only way I'll be able to do so--to prayerfully and honestly sing these words--is to be granted His wisdom. Oh, that I may continue to grow through the process and really be sensitive to the work that my Father is doing.

The Perfect Wisdom of Our God
Words & Music by Keith Getty and
Stuart Townend
© 2011 Thankyou Music and Gettymusic

The perfect wisdom of our God,
Revealed in all the universe:
All things created by His hand,
And held together at His command.
He knows the mysteries of the seas,
The secrets of the stars are His;
He guides the planets on their way,
And turns the earth through another day.

The matchless wisdom of His ways,
That mark the path of righteousness;
His word a lamp unto my feet,
His Spirit teaching and guiding me.
And oh, the mystery of the cross,
That God should suffer for the lost
So that the fool might shame the wise,
And all the glory might go to Christ!

Oh grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
“Your perfect will in your perfect way.”

True Family

I've been thinking a lot recently about the difference between biological family and family through Christ. I heard some people talking recently about how close the were to family members. This made me a little sad because I'm not all that close to my extended family. Yes, I love them, and I get to see them a couple of times a year, but I'm not especially close like some people are. I've never been to a formal family reunion. I don't have daily or even weekly phone conversations with aunts, uncles, and cousins. As I type, I'm sitting in a hospital room with family members that I feel greatly distanced from. When mailing cards and invitations, I have to ask for or look up my grandparents' addresses. When I think about how close other people are to their family members, it makes me a little sad.

Then I remember the close relationships I have with people I am not biologically related to. I think about Mr. Frank, to whom I am not related, but in every other way feels like a grandfather. I think about Bro. Ron, who probably can read me better than most people and basically helped my parents raise me. I think about Alison McCarthy who is miles away, and whom I haven't seen in several years, but whom I incredibly miss and love to catch up with. I think about Aaron, who said to me the other day, "We don't have anything in common except for the Thing that matters most." I think about Mallory who lives on the other side of the world, who I can still pray with and love like a sister even though there's no biological relation.

I realize that all of these cases are so because of the bonds I share in Christ with each of them. I realize that my unbelieving friends and family can't know such special relationships with people. It saddens me for them, for I know that my closest friendships and relationships go far beyond phone calls and face-to-face encounters. We have a common goal, and one day will spend eternity worshiping Him together. Jesus, the One who holds all things together, makes us one in Him. He spans the oceans that separate, He allows for commonality when there seems to be none, He makes room for more at the family table. I'm so thankful for my family in Christ.