Awakened at 3:38am this morning, tossing around I found myself praying for a few friends brought to mind then pressing on to think about all that will transpire over the next month. Thoughts of my travels, heading to similar climes, one in America, the other in the Balkans, was conjuring up the sights and smells of the areas, having been to both before. Stirred in my musings were mixed with my memories of walking and working at JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the unmanned space exploration arm of NASA). Yes, indeed, I oft thought that just breathing the air and working on lab, made me more intelligent and scientifically productive. Rubbing shoulders with explorers, inventors, and a host of those who enable the accomplishments of dreams and incredible tasks invigorated my soul in those days. Just thinking about it takes me right back to the experience, like a soldier thinking about his time on the battlefield, the emotions, the odors, the feelings, the intensity of living and surviving with vigor and focus. It seems that the sights, aromas but mostly the people, amazing people connect the remembrance with verve and vitality.
The commonality of the sights and smells links with my soul, it's need to be present, alive and aware of the sights and smells as I move through the adventures my Lord leads. The movie, with smell-o-vision springs forth nearly as if I were fully present in the time of remembrance, emotions and all. Unlike the military metaphor, however, the the memory is fully sweet and the fragrance wonderfully blessed.
Yes, I get to go; go to Michigan to visit beloved family and then to Croatia and Bosnia to revisit the place I was privileged to see a year ago. In both places I will be connecting with new communities and new people, speaking to each as a relative stranger. Given opportunity to fill the pulpit of Faith Journey Church on the 28th, I am led to speak of community and our connection to the communities we establish relations with. In Bosnia, I will be connecting with a community of teachers as it seems I am to go there to assist in the inspiration of their skills and talents as well. Two entirely different cultures, vastly different communities, but similar undertakings and communications to each. If you know me, you know I am 'wired' for this kind of stuff, not that I have the full abilities to accomplish this well, but I know the one who will lead me and speak through me, Jesus.
Indeed, I am a man living the dream. I have been given opportunity and challenge that extends far beyond my capabilities, yet the successes serve as tribute to the one and only God and inspiration of my soul. He gives me guidance when I arrive at the end of my capabilities. I often found success because He has not failed me. So, as I find myself standing on the precipice of two wonderful adventures, this first to Michigan to be with Carrie's family, and the second to join with some amazing people in Croatia and Bosnia, I stand fully cognizant of three things, the sights and aromas of each place, but mostly the communities of people who make the experience rich and memorable! I frequently need to pinch myself to assure myself that I'm not dreaming, only to discover that I am...living the dream, God's plan, for this small man.
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