Being there

My wife and I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago.  It was FANTASTIC!  We had such a great time of relaxation.  It was a week with family, food, and sunshine.  I hadn't realized how much I was in need of a break from life.  I highly recommend taking time to recharge and reconnect at least once a year (I would love to do it more often but that's probably not financially feasible.)
Prior to our get away, my wife and I had a discussion about someone else that was getting ready for a trip.  That person had already begun to talk about how "Before you know it, it will be over and time to come home."  I feel badly for people with that mindset.
When I was in college I was in one of my classes and my friend Andrea wrote a quote in my journal that has stuck with me ever since.
“Wherever you are, be all there!" - Jim Elliot
I seriously love that!  Later I looked up Elliot's quote.  It continues by saying, " Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
Through the years I have had some difficulty living that way.  But God continually reminds me of this quote and it gives me the emotional boost that I need.
Recently I have had some disappointments in the area of career. Nothing major, just some disappointments as far as the direction that I think I should be headed.  But I am learning to trust that God will direct my steps.  That doesn't necessarily mean that things will go the way that I expect them to go.  But, where I am flawed and not exactly the brightest, He is perfect and wise.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

When disappointment comes, I have been trying to remember these words and live by them.
On a personal level, this helps me to remember that- my job is just a job; my calling is to be a servant of God and to share the message of reconciliation with the lost world.  In my book that's the greatest calling there is.
So when I live life like Andrea quoted, being "all there," I can't help but be filled with joy.
Seems like a pretty great way to live!

I encourage you,
“Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
― Jim Elliot

God bless y'all!
Jimmy!