“The great paradox of life is that those who lose their lives will gain them. This paradox becomes visible in very ordinary situations. If we cling to our friends, we may lose them, but when we are nonpossessive in our relationships, we will make many friends. When fame is what we seek and desire, it often vanishes as soon as we acquire it, but when we have no need to be known, we might be remembered long after our deaths. When we want to be in the center, we easily end up on the margins, but when we are free enough to be wherever we must be, we find ourselves often in the center.
Giving away our lives for others is the greatest of all human arts. This will gain us our lives.” ~ Henri Nouwen via The Inner Journey
I was thinking about a recent scholarship offer to go to Singapore for studies (which so far I’ve decided to decline). And the way I’ve somehow been led to where I am today, and the values I feel God is shaping in me through the past four years (especially choosing a road less travelled while still connected to the mainstream a little bit). There has been a growing sense of “true freedom” as a human being, a Christ-follower and one whom seeks to serve him in my calling. At times, I wobble because of the demands others have on me … BLC however has been very kind in this dimension, but being part of a denominational system has its little quirks and strangeness. And of course, being open to partner with others brings along a different set of adjustments.
At another deeper level, the past few days I haven’t set aside time to consider our “loss” the past week. I know the Spirit is leading me into that the next couple of days to contemplate God’s presence in our present journey. During this time, many have somehow played a part in giving their lives to us as friends and family. Very often by just giving some “space” and assurance of prayer. Again and again, God keeps pressing in deeper the truth of what really matters in our lives is relationships to God, and the people around us, and how we relate to the different events of our lives.