As I've mentioned before, I am a huge fan of missions. At some point in my life I think God will send me over seas somewhere because of my passions for the hurt, suffering, and the misunderstood. I like to think of it as my big adventure of following God and serving Him.
The hardest part is that I want to go right now and I know God hasn't put the place or time on my heart, so I must wait. It seems like I do a lot of that. But maybe we grow most while in the wait, learn things before taking flight with God. Learning to trust His timing and not our own. I was listening to a radio show the other day and someone shared some great wisdom on the subject. He said a lot of people have destination disease. Which means people think happiness is "over there". That the grass is greener on the other side. How easy it is to have this mentality! Sometimes it is the case that moving somewhere else is better. But often we just think we would be happier somewhere else. For me that would be in a house on the beach... preferably in another country... maybe in the Caribbean... :] Big dreams huh? But the man on the radio pointed out something that spoke a lot to me. He said, "No matter where you are... there you are." If we aren't happy with ourselves where we are now that isn't going to change if we move else where. Other people can add to our happiness immeasurably but being with someone, marrying someone, or moving somewhere doesn't in itself make you happy. It is a choice. Choose to love who God created you to be!
So this summer God has been teaching me that no matter where I am, He has lives to impact through me! Even though I would like to be doing missions in a different country or my dream of living on a beach, doesn't mean now is the time. Even in little Middlebury Indiana, or as I like to call it "Mayberry", He has good plans. Plans to impact and change lives!
So if you are having the travel bug or destination disease, remember to seek Gods impeccable timing beyond you own wants. He knows the desires of your heart. He loves you!
I use this verse all the time but it is so applicable to my days my weeks and my years and yours too!
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah29:11