understanding

I have been inspired by a saying I heard maybe six months ago, which goes, "You have the opportunity to influence others through a life lived differently."

It comforted me and confirmed to me the steps we have been taking toward this sabbatical year. It is a very different decision; one which confuses some people. Threatens others. We are communicating a whole different set of values than those that govern most people's decisions. We are breaking norms—both of the secular world and the ministry world.

But I really want people to look at our choices and wonder and re-evaluate and consider a different life than the one they are living. The thought kind of excites me.

So last night we were explaining our choice to someone who has known us for a long time, but not deeply. He was curious and considering some sort of change himself.

I was trying to express that this coming year was all about putting ourselves in a place to hear from God. To seek Him. To learn as much as we could from Him. And the guy's response was, basically, "I think you want to do that to make up for how unprepared you were for this ministry, so you can do better next time."

Well, not only had we stated clearly that we were not sure full-time ministry was in our future, we were also trying to emphasize that it was all about pursuing God. And, his words were a little insulting.

I was a bit put off and mentally checked out of the conversation. I leaned back in the chair and let Mr. do most of the talking. After a while the other guy noticed my silence and remarked that I seemed rather tired.

OK. I'll take that. Besides being a bit ticked off, I was honestly weary. It had been a long day.

Back home as I was climbing into bed I replayed the conversation in my mind, wondering how it could have been so misinterpreted. And as I slipped under the sheet I kind of heard God whisper, "You wanted to live differently. That means you will be misunderstood. Expect it. Get used to it."

Yeah, OK. I guess not everyone will get it. I'm going to somehow have to accept that fact.