be a BUILDER not a bulldozer

It can be challenging to re-engage in any experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend a few weeks in the States with family over Christmas. But transition can be difficult. And work can be difficult. And people. And experiences. I think the "two steps forward, one step back" concept accurately describes most times of “being in transition".

But there is another reality of transition. Transition can be exciting!! Despite the frustrations, transition is a time for deep growth and transformation. With some help and encouragement from my friend Linda, I am learning the importance of having a generous heart in this time. And I would expand her idea to include having a generous mind.

I can summarize my thoughts with this phrase:

I WANT TO BE A BUILDER NOT A BULLDOZER.

I want to build on and expand the foundations that are present already.  I want to promote growth and stability.  I want to enthusiastically pursue the potential that exists.  I want to better engage in what Christ is doing here daily.  I don’t want to dominate.  I don’t want to destruct.  I don’t want to demolish or destroy or wipe out.  I want to be a builder not a bulldozer.

For me, this is easier said than done.  But to do this I know I need to:

1. Believe Jesus. Not just believe in Jesus, but believe Jesus. Believe that His promises are true and that His character is good. Believe that He hears my prayers. Believe that this ministry and these kids are His. That I am His. Believe that I can trust Him and that He has me in the most perfect place right now.

2. Seek the tension of the waiting. To press and lean into it. To trust it. And to be confident that Christ is ACTIVELY which me in it. To seek to see His work. To embrace it. To engage in it. To engage the space and the tension and to position myself to experience the growth to be had in the waiting.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the HOPE to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who BELIEVE... (Eph. 1:18 & 19).

"You are my witnesses," declares The Lord, "and my servant whom I have CHOSEN, so that you may know and BELIEVE ME and understand that I am he. (Is. 43:10).