Stuck Between the Person I Was and The Person I'm Called To Be

Any season of transformation feels like a Chicago winter...long, but you know something great is coming. Contrary to the belief of some in this world, change doesn't always come at the end of a sudden revelation. It doesn't come at the wave of a wand. It doesn't come in a Christmas box.

Getting to where you're calledto go isn't as easy as simply pointing it out on the map, ESPECIALLY if you don't have a map. You need to figure out the "best" way to get to point B...mind, body and spirit...full presence.

Will you go the fast and easy route? What are you gaining and what are you losing when you choose this route?
Do you have the resources and drive to take the road less traveled?
Will you take in the scenery or is it too distracting?
Can you be fully present if you're on a schedule and others are waiting?
What will you take with you? Be cautious and prepare for all possible issues? Not possible. So scrap the packrat idea.
Take as little as possible. Sounds good, but will you be bold enough to do that? Bold enough to know that you will need to rely on others and on your sense of survival?
These are the questions that rattle around in my head.

Speaking of boldness...we've talked about knowing the place you need to go and how to prepare for the journey BUT we've not talked about the courage to MOVE. I read somewhere that a male character of the Bible (I forget who) kept praying for God to show him the way to go in his life. His wife, tired of his incessant prayers and not quite sure what to say, yelled, "Do NOT ask Him to show you the way if you are not willing to move your feet!!".

Who I was appears to be similar but different from who I am and I am definitely working my way to whom I'm called to be. As a seminarian on the slow track to ministry, I feel very much in between. I feel myself putting the pedal to the metal in my God-mobile but someone has put a 2-cylnder engine (not even a 4-cylinder) into my vehicle...as if to say "all in due time". Anyone else feeling that?

So once again this year, I have the opportunity to help raise funds/awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I'll be walking in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk this year and need walkers as well as donations :)Unlike the walk last year, this one is 3-5 miles and is NOT overnight. Also, there is no registration fee or minimum to raise.

The event is on September 25, 2010 to honor those who have lost their lives, support those who have survived and educate all those who suffer from depression and other factors that might lead someone to suicidal thoughts/actions. The message of Christ's love is an important banner that I wish to carry in my conversations with people I hope to meet that day.

Join me to walk for this great cause, walk for your own health and to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the Chicago Botanic Gardens? If you would like to be part of my team, please search for the team name at www.outofthedarkness.org and you can register through the team page! If you cannot join, but would like to make a donation, please see me or click on "Make a Donation" on the top right side of the home page for the walk (www.outofthedarkness.org). No donation is too small!