You heard the drums rolling, the crowds cheering, the game began. It was an extravagant spectacle to see. The show was over, the arena emptied and behind closed doors people began to lose their minds. How? Why? It was a great show. I still hear the applause, I still feel the adrenaline. Grab your popcorn, the next show is about to begin.
Here comes the cheers, the smiling faces, the salutes, the gratitude on display. Here comes the opportunities, rewards, praises, and the fruit. Also, here comes the critiques, the frowns, the insults. I learned to love both scenarios. What people won’t see are: the hours of service; the sacrifices made; the boundaries set; the discernment process; the courage to say “No” at times; the moments of grief afterwards; the courage to say “Yes” to challenges; the effort to make things better; the love and mercy in action; the effort to ignore the negativity; the inner work; the stress coping strategies; the dealing with difficult people including myself; the failure; the multiple attempts; the rescuing of the beauty; the seeking of guidance; the trusting in the Lord. Everything mentioned is not of my doing, the credit belongs to the One that gives me the strength, wisdom, and courage. Everything I do, I do for Him. Thank You Great King!
This will always be a calling. Wherever God sends me, I will go and do what it takes to bear good fruit for His Kingdom. When He blesses me with a wife and children, they will do the same. We belong to Him. We will persevere through Him. When all the shows end and there are no more gigs left, we will still be praising God. If this was all over tomorrow, we will still praise and trust that He is in control and has the best plan for us. Let it be His will and not ours. Joy is the fruit of having faith.
Ultimate joy is the fruit of performing the will of God with great grace even during turmoil. If you want peace prepare for war. “Where you feel art, war, and love all at once…you’re set for life.” -Zach Pogrob
I love problems. It is a thrill when presented with an issue. When there is a team, together the team can solve anything. When a group presents an issue with their emotional turbulence with the intention to bring me down, then I protect my peace while teaching them to respect me as a person. Honesty, without brutality from both parties, solves problems. Kind people get taken advantage of, until they learn to close that door. I’m not a gym membership, no one gets unlimited access to me. I’m more of a stock, invest in me and reap the rewards. My blessings become their blessings. One of my former principals once told me, many years ago, to share the wealth with the others. Don’t bother with me if my happiness doesn’t make you happy.
This forces them to pour into our relationship. People, friends, and family have to work. It can’t always be one-sided. Actions speak louder than words. Teamwork makes the dream work. We heal and win together or die as individuals. If they only knew, we were made for times like these. The team and all of its members, who possess individual gifts and talents, was assembled for times like these. Beauty will save the world.
“We were meant for this world. We become the builder of dreams, the conqueror of mountains, and the keeper of hearts.”
If this memo doesn’t get to others, if we enter in times of distress, controversy, or the collapse of an empire. Either way, God has a bigger purpose, what a great show it will be. Non-fiction. Comedy, Drama, Action, Horror, Suspense, Romance, more Drama, even more Comedy. Let His Will be done. We’re living in the middle of a love story. We are all the main characters. All are welcome. All are welcomed in this redemptive love story of this world, that takes us to the cross into glory, to be reunited Home with the God of Love who is Love.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Viva Cristo Rey,
Erik
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