Nehemiah

I'm reading a great book. It's called "Wild Goose Chase" and it's by Mark Batterson.

"Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit--An Geadh-Glas, or 'the Wild Goose.' The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it's like to follow the Spirit through life . . ."

It's caused me to really look at how I live my life. The second chapter is titled "Goose Bumps" wherein he discusses irresponsible responsibility--where life has become so mundane in responsibility that you stop feeling passionate. Wow. Could that have become me?

I started thinking about it. Maybe I do feel a little like Nehemiah. My passion is Jerusalem , yet I'm stuck a thousand miles due east in Babylon. I have have no idea how to get from where I am to where I want to be. All the passion has been sucked out of my spirit. I have things to do on this earth and yet, according to many--including one of my favorites, Stormie Omartian--my health is not all it could be: Peaceful Living? Proper Exercise? Pure Food? Plenty of Water? Prayer and Fasting? Periods of Fresh Air and Sunlight? Perfect Rest? Yes, when I examine my life, I see where I fall short, why I am feeling so hesitant to walk where God wants me to walk. How can I begin to think about the traverse to Jerusalem when I have neglected my physical body so much? Something has to change.

What am I going to do? Well, I will take Mark Batterson's advice: I'll be the best cup-bearer (healthy person) I can be right where I am. I won't whine about my steps. I won't complain about my schedule. And I won't check out or pretend like there's not a fight going on. I'll make the most of the situation by making obedience attractive for myself. I'll do little things like they are big things, celebrate and share each accomplishment. I'll keep a good attitude, remembering the purpose in it all. I'll faithfully carry out my current obligations while I'm moving out. I'll bring some excitement to what I'm doing, looking for God in everything I do. I'll do the best I can with what I have wherever I am. I'll see myself as a success long before I see physical results because I'll know I'm being faithful in Babylon, believing whole-heartedly that God will bless me a thousand miles away from my goal.

At any rate, it's one of many first steps, and I want you to be a part of it, a part of the Wild Goose Chase. I'll track my journey in celebrating little steps with a spirit of excellence and not perfection. I'll document spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical milestones. Today is what I have, so today is what I'll explore. I'll find favor and I'll get passion back in the move . . .

Be a part of it, won't you? Leave a comment now and again on any of it. Share how you're being helped. Most of all, commit to being a Wild Goose Chaser yourself and tell me about your great and dangerous adventure. I want to hear it!