Zoka - Seattle - mmm...

I often find myself sitting quietly in some coffee shop watching the fast-paced world revolve rapidly around me. I’m struck by people coming and going and life moving so shockingly quickly. It seems if I don’t stop every now and again to look around- to smell the roses, to hug a loved one tight, to tell a friend their loved, to encourage a kid, to thank God- I’ll miss it. I’ll wake up years passed wondering why I didn’t use every opportunity to slow down.

Coming back to Seattle after spending three months in a slow-paced, God loving and centered community, I feel weight from one shoulder is removed, and yet when I wasn’t looking new weight leaped on the other. I’m starting to think there is no way to live completely free of some sort of weight. Immediately after stepping over the border I started hearing questions: “what are you going to do with your life,” “don’t you need more than what you already have- more things,” “What’s next- hurry up and get things together?” Society jumps back onto my shoulders with a heavy thud! And, the enemy takes a swing.

But when I take the time to slow down and quiet my heart, I feel the peace, which transcends all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7). I
clearly need to cling to Christ in this transition process. I need more of him. I thirst for Christ- a thirst that will never entirely be quenched.

I don’t have to have all the answers. I don’t have to have my life “sorted out.” I don’t have to have the five or ten year plan. Can’t there be a Christ-plan where my plan is listening to the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart? I understand at some level I have to have a “plan,” but I’m definitely leaving room for the Lord’s voice. We’ll call it my dynamic Christ-plan with some room for static.

Being back, the near future looking me dead in the face asks, “what are you going to do now, Eric?” I can’t help but smirk as I write this with the freedom and peace of Christ’s love hugging me tightly. What am I going to do? Well, everything! I’m going to continue growing closer to Christ. I’m going to work on my character and integrity. I'm going to continue listening and following. I’m going to spend time with high school kids. I’m going to spend time with family. I’m going to work on my friendships. I’m going to put myself out there. I’m going to make relationships. I’m going to work. I’m going to fill the gas tank with very expensive gasoline. I’m going to eat. I’m going to drink good coffee (and stay away from the bad). I’m going to get to know new people. I’m going to spend time with hurting people. I am going to live as if today was my last day but plan my life as if I were to live forever.

We’ll call it the dynamic Christ-plan with room for... life. I'll worry about the rest later.