The radio business provides many duties, and even the most seemingly trivial of assignments can play a huge role in a successful product.  One of the important things I needed to make sure of was that our company’s ice cream truck was plugged in and that power was going to the freezer in the back.  This was the responsibility of each shift, and is the best way to avoid a melted mess.

Well, I happened to come into work one night and noticed the power light had been off.  After talking to a co-worker, Dusty, we discovered it may have been off for quite awhile.  I opened the freezer in the truck to find a liquid catastrophe;  ice cream everywhere that needed to be dumped immediately.

The truck wasn’t parked near the dumpster, so I drove it down and emptied the contents.  It was on my way back to the truck that I realized the worst–I locked the keys inside.  Not only that, the engine was running.

I didn’t know what I was going to do.  Would my supervisors come to work the next day to find an ice cream truck that was out of gas parked oddly in the lot?  This was bad.

I turned to Dusty for help, and this is when he took over in leading our efforts of breaking into the ice cream truck.

As we started off simple, I’m sure we tried things like picking the locks, wedging the door open, and snaking a clothes hanger down through the window.  None of this was working, but Dusty was determined.

Because this was an ice cream truck, there was a huge double-window on one side.  For several minutes, Dusty tried to get this window open from the outside  with everything he could find, including a PVC pipe that was left in the parking area during some construction.  Nothing from the outside did it.  I knew it was time to make a call and tell all to our engineer so he would drive 20 minutes in the middle of the night to come unlock the truck.  Dusty was determined to finish the job.

The only other way into the ice cream truck was through a vent on the roof.  Sure enough, Dusty was climbing up there while I… uh… stayed on the ground and spotted him.  It took a little forcing, but Dusty broke past the plastic dome that covered the vent, and he now had an entry point!

Though jumping through the roof would have been cool, the opening was only big enough to fit an object inside.  With that in mind, Dusty guided a curved piece of PVC pipe to the double-window and used it to slide the window open.  He would then come down, climb through the window, and get the keys.  Victory at two in the morning!

This story is one that describes Dusty best.  He is someone I will remember as a truly good person who would do whatever he could for you, and not many people will climb to the roof of a truck, much less damage company property in an effort to stop you from making a phone call (side note: he was pretty sure he could open the top without breaking it.)  Dusty was that kind of guy.

I was sad to hear Sunday morning that Dusty passed away the night before–far too young and far too full of life and creativity.  I haven’t seen Dusty since he left radio last May, but I still remember him as someone who was always good for great conversation and would really look out for people.  I enjoyed keeping up with him online, with our last dialogue being around Easter.  It is hard to believe he’s gone, and I know he is missed by many.

Dusty, thank you for everything.  It was good working with you and extremely fun be an accessory to you turning around a disaster with the ice cream truck.  I am one of those who misses you.  I wish we were still looking at things through your eyes.

My small group took a break from our usual meeting place to gather and be hosted by Augusta State University’s Jaguars Against Trafficking (JAT) last night.  Heading into the evening, people were encouraged to bring small gifts and toiletries for girls and young women.  It was learned during the night that these things would be shipped to Greece and distributed to those who have been rescued and are now living somewhere that restoration and freedom are parts of their lives.

Not only were items collected and these issues discussed from a variety of perspectives–the victims, the traffickers, and the consumers–as well as what actions can be taken, we reached out that night in a way that really touched me.  Last night became personable.

As a group, we ended the night writing letters to victims of human sex trafficking.  We wrote to people whose names we don’t know, who are now in safe places in Greece and Atlanta.  They are letters that affirm God’s love for them, and to let them know that they have been thought about and prayed for, as well as have lives of purpose and meaning.

What I will take with me most from last night is the feeling to writing to someone who was created in the image of the same God as me who is now on her way to getting her life back.  Someone whose background may not have been that different from mine, who listens to the same music as me, who I could see on a job, at the store, or at church.  These women matter, and they have the opportunity for a  life of fulfillment ahead of them, starting now.

What an amazing and simple way to be hope and encouragement to those who desperately need it in their states of extreme vulnerability and pain.  These things have left me blessed and moved.

I think it’s an important point to realize as we grow older that, regardless of whether or not we report to a job every day, there are still things that need our attention.  And truly, this is what keeps life moving right along.  There are things we are put here to do, and realistically only a seventh of each week was created for rest.

We should always be ready for what life is going to throw at us next.  Look at it like a baseball game.  Sometimes you’re at bat, sometimes you’re waiting your turn, and sometimes you’re on the reserved list waiting for your next step.  You may even get called down to the minors.  The important thing to know is that you are a valued member of the team who plays an integral role.  There’s a place for you in this life that only you can fill.  And because of that, your job is never done until the day you’re done.

What’s on your schedule?  How are you investing your time?

Each day matters, and there is always a purpose for the breaths we’re given.  Be glad for every opportunity you have to live yours.

Mission trips are very spontaneous.  Your motto will either quickly become “go with flow” or “I want to go home.”  There is no slowing down.  There is no sticking to the plan.  However, your focus is still locked on the sensitivity of your time with those around you.  What can we do to make this true about everything in which we participate?

One thing that is very apparent about everyday life is you never know where you will be next.  You are constantly on a mission.  Your job, your church, your shopping trips, and your hobbies are all done with reasons applied.  And the truth is, you do not know where you will end up next until the door opens and you walk through it.  Knowing that, are you ready to serve anywhere and do anything for God that is asked?

Doors are funny.  When God is leading you, and you are following him, you may end up in some places you never thought you would.  And as a result of being in those places, you may have to leave behind somewhere you love.

The truth is, God has never promised comfort as a part of missions.

Stay aware of where God wants you next, and be ready to tell him “yes” to going there.  Trust in his plan, and know that it is one that was crafted especially for you.  Your mission is mobile, and that includes the very mission that is life.

God, use me where you will.  I trust in you, Lord.  I love you, and I will follow you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

When you read this passage and look at the people you know in your life, do you ever feel those who aren’t walking with God can do a better job of being kind, compassionate, generous, and over all better people?  Not all of them, but there are plenty of good examples that come to mind.

For this reason, this passage really convicts me.  As a Christian who wants to live a life exemplifying Jesus, there are times I don’t love or give everything I can.  What does that say about me as a person?  What does that tell people about the God I’m here to show the world?

In these regards, we can learn from the attitudes of some of the people in our lives who aren’t following God as closely.  Additionally, we can prove to do as we were created: give expecting nothing in return.  Love without expecting to be loved back.  We should even be loving our enemies.  You never know when what you’re showing them about who Jesus is will break through in their lives in a powerful way–just like it did yours.

May I be the light I want the world to see.

In each of these instances, Jesus took very little food, held it up and blessed it.  Then, the food was divided amongst the groups of 50 or 100 who were gathered.  There were even baskets of food left over each time.

I casually thought about this at lunch.  As I brought it up in conversation, what amazed me is how these stories were so fresh in my mind and how I could recall the details of Jesus’ miracles instantly.

Since mid-January, I have made a serious effort to spend more time in God’s Word.  My church participated in the 40 Days in the Word campaign with our series and initiative, 40 Days Between the Lines.  Additionally, I started back my Life Journal Reading Plan that I have been working on since Summer 2009.

It has been great having the opportunity to meet with God every single day (I think I’ve missed one.)  Hearing his Word come out of me at lunch today without even being engaged in serious dialogue was beautiful.  I encourage you to let him fill you with his truths.  If you have a Bible, read it.  If you don’t have a Bible, get one or read online.  And if you want to hear from God directly, as well as have his Word be a part of you, don’t ignore this invitation to spend time with him any longer.

You’ll be amazed at what God’s Word is capable of doing in your life.

What’s great about the movie Must Love Dogs is it really pegs having a perfect picture of what is we want versus making compromises when it seems like something will never happen.  What a synonym of human nature.

I really want what’s meaningful, and I want God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will in my life.  But how many times do I try to speed things along or give up hope when growing impatient and start my own path toward something I know won’t be as satisfactory for the sake of instant gratification?

Sometimes, it takes seeing a reminder of my greater hope to realize my foolishness or detour from the will of God and remember there is something better out there than reaching for what I can easily grasp in the present.  God is so perfect that I don’t always want to wait for his perfect timing.  And that is a synonym of ridiculous.

Impatience often leads to faithlessness.

What I need to remember is pursuing the meaningful in life means following, obeying, and at times being still and knowing.  Why rush things?  Why substitute perfection for the current?  God’s got this.

May I always go after God wants most out of me in every moment, and not veer from the plan to make way for something less satisfactory.

I love God.  He loves me.  I want what he wants for me to happen to me.  That is all.

CRASH!

Yep.  For one week now, I have been dealing with being hit not once, but twice last Friday night (T.G.I.F!)

In short: I’m okay.  The other two drivers are okay.  The passenger of one of the two drivers is okay.  The sheriff’s department declared I wasn’t at fault.  The ball is rolling.  God is still God, and he is good!

In other news, I have been hard at work and enjoying building my knowledge of the tax business.  There is always plenty to learn (just go to IRS.gov and search for “pub 17″ if you don’t believe me).  It’s definitely off the beaten path of church communication, but I’m still getting to help people every day, and that is rewarding.

If there’s any word I can use to sum up 2012 so far, it’s growth.  New job.  New incident to deal with.  A renewed experience of God.

Less than thirty days into January and I’ve been completely taken aback at how much God’s Word has become a part of my life.  By that, I don’t simply mean I’ve opened my Bible and read it.  Before I got to that point, I was spoken two through a megaphone about how much I need it.  Then, I continued on my reading plan in YouVersion.

And last week, my church joined thousands of others in leaning more about spending time in Scripture and actually doing it on a daily basis.  (Stop and think about that last sentence.  Thousands of churches are engaging in the same books of the Bible at the same time over the next forty days.  Just imagine what that’s going to produce!)

In other words, a lot of big things are happening, and I continue to try my best to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to know what to do next.

I certainly hope life has been treating you well.  In case it hasn’t, remember:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

It was also a day where I decided to start a new venture.  After really enjoying my college years of blogging on the one-time coolest kid in school, MySpace, I found out that starting a “big boy” blog can be tough.  People don’t comment as much.  People don’t see what you wrote as often without steady promotion.  This, along with some serious writer’s block, discouraged me into closing the doors of several blogs.

But I knew I wasn’t finished writing online.  Every time I saw one of my friends had a new blog, it made me miss having my own hunk of space on the Internet.

I began 2009 with a goal in mind to do one thing new every day.  I’m honestly not sure how far along I got on that goal, but some cool things did happen that year–I gave Twitter a second chance; I got interactive with Scripture reading on YouVersion; I got back into the awesome life-changing experience that is small group Bible study; and I also started this blog.

Although there have bee large gaps between postings at times, I have enjoyed being able to come here and write what I’m feeling.  And knowing I’d probably just start another blog if I shut this one down over being in a dry season, I decided to keep it going!

It is truly great to see people some and comment, follow this blog, and have my friends write about and like posts on Facebook, as well as give me some retweet love.  It’s very encouraging.

I’ve been able to do some great things on here, too.  Highlights include my first book giveaway (ever!) with Granger Community Church’s Communications Director and author of Less Clutter. Less Noise: Beyond Bulletins, Brochures and Bake Sales, Kem Meyer!  Not to mention my second book giveaway with pastor/author/my small group leader, Gene Jennings for his book Laughing with Sarah (see outtakes here).

My goal for this blog has remained the same, and that is, in addition for the random stuff that pops out of my head, to bring forth inspiration, thought and further action.  To that extent, it’s been great to share what God has put on my heart, my reflections of what I’ve experienced, and ways people can get involved in changing the world.

Thank you for letting this be a place you’ve visited over the past three years.  I look forward to continue sharing things that I hope serve as motivation.

P.S. If you’re thinking about starting/shutting down a blog of your own, I hope this serves as a nudge to keep at it.  Your thoughts can and will impact somebody.