Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise.
1 Cor 3:18
God can often be found in the smallest things, and sometimes nowhere near the big things. The lunch with a friend, playing basketball with some kids, going for a walk, a moment of quiet, have all proven to be where God is often found. There's this group of former students that I tend to hang out with somewhat regularly. I don't always see why God connected me with them but they are a big source of joy for me because looking back I can see that the simple things, the trips to digital ops to play counterstrike, the ribs for dinner, the pizza, the disc golf, have all been small things where God has worked. I think the parents of these guys have mixed feelings about all of this. On the one hand, one guy's mom gets it I think and understands that God often works in these small things. On the other hand, this other guy's mom doesn't seem to get it at all and probably wonders why its so important for her son to go out for lunches, ribs, etc. I've been feeling kinda down about it partly because of an unrelated person misunderstanding me. But I was listening to a song tonight and was reminded why I gave up so much to "be there" for whomever I can be there for. I've decided that I don't care if people understand me, or approve of what I do because I am good at what I do and I love "my kids."
Youth programs don't really work unless there's relationship with the kids you are trying to reach. They need to know that they are cared for, accepted, loved, and part of something. It is a joke to simply put on a highly polished youth program with lots of "good speakers" and retreats without first building relationships. And when many of these so-called good speakers have no idea what kids are really like try to guilt-trip them into a decision to give up this sin or that sin, rather than experiencing the love and mercy of Jesus it makes me angry.
I want to be the kind of fool that nobody understands, but in fact, is doing the will of God. I want to be the kind of fool who sees Jesus in taking a group of kids out to play counterstrike at a gaming center. I want to be the kind of fool who sees Jesus in a kid who has no idea that he or she is priceless. I want to be the kind of fool who treats others with love and kindess while everyone else is being rude and cold and unfriendly. I don't want to be "better" than anyone. I don't want to be "holier than thou." I just want to be a fool who fell in love with Jesus and spends the rest of eternity following him. Because I know how sinful and filthy my heart gets, and I am in love with my Savior who loved me enough to pay the price for my sinfulness. And I'm so sorry for ever trying to live life on my own terms, my own way, apart from God.
Only a Fool
by Geoff Moore and the Distance
Charlie Was A Fool
Did You Hear What He Went And Did?
He Quit His Job, Threw It Away
Gave His Life To A Bunch Of Kids
He Said He Was In Love With Jesus
But His Friends Didn't Understand
He Could've Had It All
But He Just Smiled And Said
That He Already Did.
He Saw The Big In The Small
He Saw The Beauty In The Call
Even When No One Else Approved
He Took The Job Only A Fool Would Do.
Show Me The Big In The Small
Show Me The Beauty In The Call
Show Me The Road That I Should Choose
I'll Take The Job Only A Fool Could Do.
Show Me The Big In The Small
Show Me The Wonder Of My Call
Even When No One Else Approves
I'll Take The Job For Only A Fool
Only A Fool, Only A Fool.
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