Whether it's the fresh air of wonderful Colorado , the picturesque setting of snow capped mountains, or the simple change of schedule, being in Fort Collins , Colorado , for our Campus Crusade for Christ U.S. Staff Conference every two years is special. I always look forward to catching up with old and trusted friends, connecting with both new and familiar faces, and recounting memories that serve as a reminder for where God has brought us as individuals and an organization over the years. It's in these times of reflection and thanksgiving that I believe God grants us better understanding and appreciation for His character and gives us direction for the future.
Between meals, hiking, boating, concerts, meals, the Staff "County Fair," Wyoming Frontier Days, meeting in Moby Gym, meals, spending time with loved ones (and did I mention meals?), I am constantly reminded that people and relationships-rather than events-make life and ministry worthwhile. Behind each face is a story and we must be intentional in our time to interact, inquire and listen to one's unfolding story of faith being lived out. We are each a God-ordained changed life story that reflects and communicates Christ's redeeming love.
Whether it's an old friend who needs a word of encouragement and listening ear, a waitress who is broken-hearted over a dissolving marriage, or a ministry partner who just dropped from your support team and needs your understanding rather than dismay, every instance requires us to walk by faith. We must move through the day with a spiritual sensitivity, believing that God constantly works in and through our lives. Yield to where He is already going and get caught up in where His Spirit is already at work-to will for His good pleasure and purpose.
I think of the constant busyness of life, the demands of the ministry and things that vie for my attention. At times I go through life with my spiritual antenna down and lose track of listening and responding to God's call and voice. Other times I remain unresponsive to what is happening in the lives of other people. I enjoy, and at times am driven by, the desire to "check the box" and move on to the next task. However, I realize that our God is more interested in the depth of my ongoing relationship with Him (and subsequently my relationships with others) than He is with what I can do for Him. I am daily compelled because of His amazing love for me to value and prioritize my personal relationships. In doing so I realize that I may have to sacrifice my being "efficient" and "productive" in order to take the needed time to uncover the joys, opportunities, hurts, pains, and God-authored stories of peoples' lives.
Psalm 139:16 says that God ordains and numbers our days. It's wild to think that God inspired the writing of the book of Psalms long before my life even came into being! God wants to use each of us to take part in the unfolding story being written in the lives of others. Can you believe He wants to use us to be a vital participant in helping others come to know Him? He also wants to encourage fellow Christians to love Him more deeply and serve Him more diligently. What a privilege!
As God wisely unfolds His story for our lives, He brings people across our paths, and we have an opportunity to mutually reflect Him. We each represent a book that God daily writes, His story of our lives to tell. As the old adage goes, I pray we take time to warm up to a good "book," and listen to those around us-their hurts, joys, sadness, and excitement, but most importantly their heart and soul. In doing so we will progressively become more like Jesus and be more readily available to participate in things that-when they happen-can only be attributed to Him!
Building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport,
Bill |