Friday, August 5, 2011

GUATEMALA 2011: (7) Pray for My Collision


I re-laced my boots today, and I packed my passport securely into the front pocket of my back-pack. My hair is cut close and the duct tape is packed next to the first aid kit. I worked the clasp and removed my watch and closed it inside of the drawer. As I put on my black-banded Casio watch, I looked into the dial and realized that the time was still set from the moment I last took it off my wrist. There is still dust lining the bends and lines of the craftsmanship. 


This is Guatemala dust... and this is Guatemala time. I am immediately transported back.


Today ran like the scene of a movie. We rushed through the day... grass was cut, jobs were worked, loose ends tied up, dinner had, kids taken to grandma's, dog dropped at my uncle's (thanks Stephen), car loaded, and now... Well, now... the night is silent.


By the time anyone reads this... we will be there, or if you are an early riser perhaps you will catch us in flight. Whatever the moment, say a prayer for us. Not for our safety... that doesn't matter. Not for our enjoyment, that doesn't matter either. Just pray that we make a difference. 


God is big enough to handle any circumstance. If we wouldn't return... He is big enough to take care of our children. Our faith must be big enough to quiet our fears. What we are doing is bigger than the circumstances of this terrestrial walk.


We chase moments of eternity. We intend to see the changing of lives. The changing of those we encounter, and the changing of our own souls. 


I live for these moments. 


If you pray for me... please pray that today I Collide.





I do not want a safe trip. I long for a trip that collides directly into my world view, shatters my heart, and forever changes my life. 



I'm quiet you know
                                                               You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know 
I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time 
somehow I find
You and I collide

Even the best fall down sometimes. Yes. Although I am not the best, I do know what it feels like to fall down. Through my own experience, and through the situations of people I know and love. But I can tell you that the goodness that is in the world, and the constance that is God, is not affected by my failure.

Collisions with the truth are what give me the will power to climb back up. Nothing is as empowering as doing. I have had a series of "NOs" in my life lately. Opportunities that simply didn't shake out. I have made bad choices. Choices that I live with every day.

And I have had collisions with the truth. 

I have a wife that has ridden these collisions with me... even when the stars refused to shine... and I am so thankful.

The second hand moves around the dial on my watch and I am aware of the represented time. It is MHT (Mimi's House Time) and I am reminded that the collisions I had there in that dust a year ago, are still very much a part of me.

I close my eyes now for a few hours of silence...

and when I awake, I will freely fall into this collision. May it forever bring me closer to the man I am to be.


2 comments:

  1. Go get 'em....can't wait to hear the stories.

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  2. Chad ... you are an amazing writer ... I always love to read your posts. Seize the moment, and as Brian said "go get 'em". Praying that the desires of your heart are abundantly met. Our precious Lord gives us MORE ... so much MORE ... BJP

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