Trip Tips

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward-to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."  (Philippians 3:12-14, The Message) 

Just got back from a few days off with my son, taking advantage of an opportunity we had to go to Washington, D.C. and see all that we wanted to see.  I like to travel, especially with my family.  I always learn a little more about the Christian journey when I spend some quality time on the road.

Things like...

1. It's Always God's Time.  Somehow, someway, it's always God's time for something.  If we didn't go on our trip, I would have missed a life-long, memory-maker.  My son and I had a great time sight-seeing and truth-speaking.  Wherever we are, God has something for us too.  Our churches and people are meant to grow and thrive.  We can trust Christ for that.

2. Look for a Better Way.  Visiting D.C. during Health Care Reform Debate Week will do that to you as well as traveling through West Virginia.  An eight hour trip turned into twelve.  There has got to be a better way to organize highway projects!  There has got to be a better way for us to do government.  And sometimes, or often, there is a better way we can do church.  Don't wait for someone else to fix it.  Go ahead and try it. 

3. Establish Your Principles.  The thing though that most stuck with me was seeing the memorials and reflecting on what each of them stood for.  Watching my African-American sisters and brothers at the Lincoln Memorial was more moving than the monument itself.  What will be said of me?  As much as D.C. memorializes all that makes our country great, I want to make sure I establish what has made Christianity great: the power of the resurrection, God's prevenient grace, a passion for the world, etc.  How will I help lock those ideas in to the collective conscience of the world around me?

As you know, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."  (II Corinthians 5:20, NIV)