Monday, September 22, 2008

thoughts from joe.

seems like coffee always provokes good conversation when accompanied by a friend, and clear thoughts when alone. i was just thinking about this the other day over my cafe con leche, and today i decided to blog it. 


for the past six years of my life, i have been surrounded by people who love jesus. it has been such a blessing... the lord gave me the most solid friends and loving family i could ask for. now, for the first time in my life, i can count the number of christians i know (here) on one... finger. one of my students, geovanna. she is probably in her forties and is married with kids. i don't think we'll be hanging out much. 

the point is, the people i spend time with day in and day out do not believe in jesus, and probably think i'm a little crazy for doing so. they don't understand why i don't get drunk, never want to smoke pot with them, or why i'm the only one who hasn't "hooked up" with anyone yet. 

this aspect of life has undoubtedly been challenging, but completely refreshing at the same time. when faced with peopled who do not understand your lifestyle, it makes you consider, really think about, why you live your life the way you do. when "that's the way everyone around me does it" is no longer an option. that was never really the reason, but now i know it, and i am reminded of it daily. like my alarm clock reminds me to wake up in the morning, i am reminded of it. 

now, i know that i'm okay with being looked at differently, with being somewhat of an "outsider" for the cause of christ. and i am certain that the momentary struggles here will not, cannot compare with what is to come. 

there's joy in that.


"in this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith --more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7

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