Monday, 26 February 2007

Is it all a gift? You better believe it is

Engedi house churches once again met yesterday. Unfortunately the Morins weren't hosting, so I wasn't sure which one to attend, seeing as I'm not in a CABLE group. However, Pastor Brian was hosting house church for the first time, and that sounded pretty sweet. Having never actually met my own church's pastor after almost 2 years (yikes!), I thought it'd be just as good of place as any to do that. Plus I knew the discussion and fellowship would be good, too.

It was even better than I thought. Not only did I meet some awesome Brothers and Sisters in Christ (Engedi people are cool), but everyone was really inviting of someone "new" like me into the group, and Pastor Brian has a comfy couch. The discussion followed the same formula-a Rob Bell NOOMA video, this time on what God has given us. The video and the discussion really challenged us not only to look at how much we have, but to think about where it all comes from. The top 2-3% of the population of the educated world has a college education. The rest do not. The top 8% of the world's population has a car. The rest do not.

We really do need to thank God for everything we have. No, having something is not inherently bad. But I think Americans in particular, since we consume a large amount of resources, fairly or not, ESPECIALLY need to realize where everything we have ultimately comes from and Whom we should thank.

During the closing prayer, I realized how grateful I am for this crazy $120,000 degree I'm pursuing, the experiences I've had & the good friends I've met along the way, my parents who are still helping me through this insane part of my life, and for God just bringing it all together.

Even in the midst of the madness of preparing for my recital, I think I might finally be noticing how God is still providing every step of the way. And man, am I glad.