Decisions

I have two stories to tell.

1. I went for a run yesterday. It was a fairly short run, much less than usual- it was more a leisurely run than a workout run. But about half way through, I stopped because I felt like I was going to throw up. Don't worry, I didn't. I wasn't feeling sick because I ate something bad or was pushing myself too much. I wanted to throw up because I'm nervous and scared out of my mind about leaving this country for two months and going into unknown territory and having no idea what is down the road. I'm not the type to worry, but this upcoming trip has been all I've thought about! But then, Philippians 4:6-7 pops into my head:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 Ok. It's gonna be alright.

2. Today I went to Walmart. That place was a ZOO today. I've never seen it so crazy! I needed some big plastic bags for packing (BEST way to travel = roll up your stuff and put 'em huge Ziploc baggies), but Target didn't have them, so off to Wally World I went. After driving from Target to Walmart and waiting in line for about ten minutes to buy my one thing, I was walking out and I thought to myself, "Wow. I just went through a lot to get these stupid bags. These things better be worth it." And then it clicked! I'm going on this crazy mission trip where I'm going to be uncomfortable for 2 months sleeping on the ground and getting no sleep... is it worth it? Is JESUS worth it? Why am I going to another country where I could possibly be in danger?! Am I crazy? Right there, in the Walmart parking lot I made a decision. I am going to give my all to this trip and to Jesus. Because if I don't, sleeping on a church floor will NOT be worth it. If I'm faking this devotion to God and I just want people to see my "good deed for the year", I picked a really labor-intensive trip to do it (aka I should've gone on a mission trip in the Bahamas or something). So I'm going to make it worth it.  Jesus is SO worthy to be praised and worshiped, and His Name is a Name worth spreading. Jesus is worth my summer and my life.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." (Act 20:24)

After all, Jesus thought I was worth it.