A Call to In-Action

Before I say anything else, I want to personally thank every man and woman who has ever served in our military. I’m kinda in love with all of you. High five.

Today, in honor of Memorial Day…I took a nap. A beautiful, blissful two hour nap. And what’s more, I claim it as an act of faith. Yes, you read that right…an act of faith. There may be some of you out there reading this post who think your “to do” list is too long for the luxury of a nap. Or maybe you even view my nap-taking as an emotional act of treason against the city of Joplin.

Some of you spent yet another day in the midst of the chaos…digging, cutting, burning, sorting, lifting, and loving your way through Joplin. And I want to hug and high five every single one of you, but I also want you all to take a moment…and nap.

The mess will be here tomorrow…and the next day...and the next. Do you trust God enough to rest? Do you trust Him enough to believe that He’s capable of taking care of people for two hours…without you? I think the great lament of our citizens is that no matter how much we dig, cut, burn, sort, lift or love…it doesn’t feel like enough. I think that is a good thing. The moment we believe that we’re powerful enough to restore this city with our own hands…is the moment we’re in big trouble.

There is much work to be done…and I’m SO proud of serving alongside each and every one of you. But the God of the universe is asking us to trust Him enough to rest. And when you begin to feel that niggle of guilt creeping into your mind…remember that He can send a circus elephant to work in your stead. Yes, that’s right…circus elephants moved rubble and cars today. Heh. I think the God of the universe was making a point. Do we trust Him enough to take care of people…with elephants?

So, to everyone out there reading this blog…I have good news. It’s not up to you. Rest.