As the days remaining until Idea Camp head into the single digits, and the temperatures rise- leaving carrots where snowmen once stood, my mind has been plowing over and over the thoughts on these coming days. And allow me, if you will, to traipse away from toeing the line for just a bit. Because, to be honest, I am not sure, just yet, whether I am excited about this gathering or not.
It’s not the topic: working for 99 Balloons, I am so honored to be a small voice championing the cause of special needs orphans at this event. Additionally, Ginny and I are currently engulfed in the colossal paperwork associated with international adoption (not a sentence I thought I would be writing at this time in our lives, but wouldn’t you know it, He didn’t ask what my timetable was).
It’s me.
I know me. And I’m afraid that all of you coming might be like me. And that thought alone is sufficient to overshadow the excitement I would otherwise feel for the days ahead.
So here’s a note to me. Cause I don’t know you. I know me. I know my bents, my predispositions, and my ability to sink ships that were headed to beautiful ports. But there’s at least two possible me’s that could make an appearance, and therein lies the hope. Here’s a note that encourages the Bigger Me to show up to Idea Camp; because history has proven that without intentional invitations to the better side of me, I am prone to show up as the Small Me- small in stature, but always carrying more baggage.
___________________________________________
Dear Matt:
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. You do not have all the answers on an issue as big as Orphan Care. This is not about you, not about your work and not even about your adoption. All of those the things you have done and are doing are only because of a greater love that has compelled you from your natural apathy. This is about children worldwide without parents, and the God who loves them and invites you to get to loving them as well. Your most impactful activity will be prayers to the one who knows each hair on every head.
Your best thoughts and most compelling strategies are lacking. At the core, this is not merely a problem to solve or an issue to fix, but a call to move forward with eyes of faith that look past an issue to see a person. Not “them”, but you- desperate, alone and in need of help. Believe that small acts of love, when done in faith, move mountains.
Do not discard others because they have chosen to go down paths that you have chosen to not take. We are not all on the same script. See that as beautiful instead of threatening. Stand on the sidelines and cheer them on, giving them cups of water, as they run in directions you will not go.
Do not see the group that shows up as the ones that “get it”, and roll your eyes at the ones who choose not to come. In doing so, you will become the very thing you hate- building shaky platforms from which to look down upon others.
Leave your skepticism at home, and have faith enough to imagine that God could use a rag-tag group of desperate souls to encourage one another to be more like Him; and in so doing, we will love these children more for it.
Sincerely,
Self
___________________________________________
If I can put these Big-Boy pants on one leg at a time and show up to Idea Camp, then I really am excited. If not, it’s wasted time that only allows me to feel better about myself, but does nothing by way of eternal value, and thus nothing for the orphan.
2,632 Comments
As the days remaining until Idea Camp head into the single digits, and the temperatures rise- leaving carrots where snowmen once stood, my mind has been plowing over and over the thoughts on these coming days. And allow me, if you will, to traipse away from toeing the line for just a bit. Because, to be honest, I am not sure, just yet, whether I am excited about this gathering or not.
It’s not the topic: working for 99 Balloons, I am so honored to be a small voice championing the cause of special needs orphans at this event. Additionally, Ginny and I are currently engulfed in the colossal paperwork associated with international adoption (not a sentence I thought I would be writing at this time in our lives, but wouldn’t you know it, He didn’t ask what my timetable was).
It’s me.
I know me. And I’m afraid that all of you coming might be like me. And that thought alone is sufficient to overshadow the excitement I would otherwise feel for the days ahead.
So here’s a note to me. Cause I don’t know you. I know me. I know my bents, my predispositions, and my ability to sink ships that were headed to beautiful ports. But there’s at least two possible me’s that could make an appearance, and therein lies the hope. Here’s a note that encourages the Bigger Me to show up to Idea Camp; because history has proven that without intentional invitations to the better side of me, I am prone to show up as the Small Me- small in stature, but always carrying more baggage.
___________________________________________
Dear Matt:
Be quick to listen and slow to speak. You do not have all the answers on an issue as big as Orphan Care. This is not about you, not about your work and not even about your adoption. All of those the things you have done and are doing are only because of a greater love that has compelled you from your natural apathy. This is about children worldwide without parents, and the God who loves them and invites you to get to loving them as well. Your most impactful activity will be prayers to the one who knows each hair on every head.
Your best thoughts and most compelling strategies are lacking. At the core, this is not merely a problem to solve or an issue to fix, but a call to move forward with eyes of faith that look past an issue to see a person. Not “them”, but you- desperate, alone and in need of help. Believe that small acts of love, when done in faith, move mountains.
Do not discard others because they have chosen to go down paths that you have chosen to not take. We are not all on the same script. See that as beautiful instead of threatening. Stand on the sidelines and cheer them on, giving them cups of water, as they run in directions you will not go.
Do not see the group that shows up as the ones that “get it”, and roll your eyes at the ones who choose not to come. In doing so, you will become the very thing you hate- building shaky platforms from which to look down upon others.
Leave your skepticism at home, and have faith enough to imagine that God could use a rag-tag group of desperate souls to encourage one another to be more like Him; and in so doing, we will love these children more for it.
Sincerely,
Self
___________________________________________
If I can put these Big-Boy pants on one leg at a time and show up to Idea Camp, then I really am excited. If not, it’s wasted time that only allows me to feel better about myself, but does nothing by way of eternal value, and thus nothing for the orphan.
2,632 Comments
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on February 15, 2011 at 8:50 am
this is amazing – and a much needed gut check. love the part about others not taking the same route. thanks for writing, matt.
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on February 15, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Hi Matt (& Ginny)
Awesome post…
A great reminder for us all. It is not about us. It’s about HIM and who He LOVES.
Congratulations on your addition. Love that this “addition” is not about putting new walls up – it is tearing walls down and bringing one that is without a family into a wonderful ONE. May God encourage your hearts as you pursue the child He has for you!
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on March 4, 2011 at 10:03 am
As usual, so well put. I especially love the word picture of “shaky platforms on which to look down on others.” Thanks for your brutally honest note to self. your self. my self. thank you.
this is amazing – and a much needed gut check. love the part about others not taking the same route. thanks for writing, matt.
Hi Matt (& Ginny)
Awesome post…
A great reminder for us all. It is not about us. It’s about HIM and who He LOVES.
Congratulations on your addition. Love that this “addition” is not about putting new walls up – it is tearing walls down and bringing one that is without a family into a wonderful ONE. May God encourage your hearts as you pursue the child He has for you!
As usual, so well put. I especially love the word picture of “shaky platforms on which to look down on others.” Thanks for your brutally honest note to self. your self. my self. thank you.