Navel Gazing

Jeff used to teach with a great teacher and friend that reminded him the reason angels can fly - they take themselves lightly. The point was, we spend so much time thinking about ourselves that life drags us down. Wow, is that true of the two of us. The other day we came across the list of hardships the Apostle Paul went through to be a missionary and it was astounding.

A partial list from 2 Corinthians, chapter 11: imprisoned, beaten 5 times, stoned, 3 shipwrecks, and 24 hours floating in the sea. There was a time we didn't really like Paul. Talked about himself too much. Thought too highly of himself. That has done a complete 180. He is now a hero of ours. In public education we talk quite a bit about kids lacking grit. Compared to Paul, John Wayne lacked grit. Paul talked about himself to prove a point.  He was willing to do anything to magnify Christ.

It's ironic that we are blogging and constantly talking about ourselves. This irony is not lost on us. It is allowable, we think, because we are transforming into who we are called to be. Our desire to share our experience as two ordinary people stepping out in faith and doing something slightly outside the box is, like Paul, designed to reflect the light of Jesus. Each day we attempt to be faithful to the call in the face of waves and metaphorical shipwrecks. When we think about ourselves, Jeff calls this navel gazing, our fears grow and our courage wanes. When we think of our call and Savior, we are filled with the Spirit and the load is lighter. We can fly again!