June 13, 2008

Of Snow Globes and Eternity

CJ collects snow globes. This week, she dropped one that we had brought her from Paris. Her favorite, she said. Her tears could have filled the globe itself.

I'll never get another one!

You never know.

No, I won't. It came from Paris and I'll never go to Paris!

You might. I never thought I would, either.


Then I reminded CJ of the 20-some youth and adults who stood before our congregation Sunday, mission teams heading to Africa and to Peru. These individuals probably never thought they would be part of an international missions outreach, yet God has given them the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to impact eternity.

Visiting a friend living in Paris was a blessing from God. R and I had a wonderful time, but it wasn't life-changing. The memories, now more than 5 years old, are faded.

~Leading a Vacation Bible School class at a small church in New Jersey, and seeing three souls saved.

~Sharing the gospel in a poor Hispanic neighborhood in Dallas.

These are the journeys that I should be sharing with my daughter, for they will last well beyond the duration of the trips themselves. The souvenirs are much grander than a snow globe.

When I get to Heaven, I may be tempted to ask, God, why didn't I ever go to Switzerland?

Would He answer, Melissa, why didn't you ever go to Peru?

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
~Matthew 28:18-20

4 comments:

His Girl said...

I have been focusing lately so much on the big stuff... moving where He sends me, traveling where He sends me, that I haven't been focused on the little daily stuff.

The other day, I had a meltdown when I realized He had somewhere locally to send me and I hadn't even noticed. AND I didn't even want to go! around the corner! because I didn't want to be uncomfortable.

I was ready to go to africa, but had stopped looking around my hometown. ugh.

amazing. just when you think you're getting closer, you realize how much further you have to go

Heather C said...

Very thought provoking post, Melissa. Thanks for spurring us on in this journey of faith. You've given me fresh perspective and I'm so grateful! Indeed... what kind of legacy do I want to leave for my children?

godlover said...

God, in His great wisdom, brings us each along in our time and place. We can never think we know the future. My church is doing a missions trip to Germany in the fall. You never know when it might be Paris next time. Or maybe some place better. You say there is no place better? You never know!!

Marj
Calaveras Co CA
http://gdlvr.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

Coming home tonight from my back door neighnor's house... all I can say to this post... is Amen.

God bless.