ON C0MMITMENT

About the middle of my missional camping trip, I awoke thinking about commitment. The truth is, I am a horrible camper. The only reason I camp, is that I am committed to the people I love and camp with. I am committed to them, they like to camp, therefore I camp. But, they are also committed to me. A few of us usually convoy to our campgrounds making sure everyone arrives safely. Then as soon as I roll in, a few of the guys come over and set up our tent. If it rains, we get offers to stay in trailers and pop-ups, everyone checking to make sure we are ok. This trip, my tent was set up between raindrops because I insisted that I had to be in my own tent and not share quarters with anyone else. One of my brothers bought me a camp stove so I could actually try outdoor cooking. Others have paid for our campsites so we could go. So, I woke that one morning thanking God for how committed these folks are to us, how we wouldn't have these shared experiences if they weren't, and how amazed I am at the lenghths they will go to for us.

Ironically, one of the best things I learned about commitment was from my ex-husband. We were engaged, and he said, "Love is not a feeling, it is a commitment." That didn't sound right to me....love is a great feeling!...but the more I thought on it, the more I realized he was right. Feelings change. But a dedication to our commitment will provide a lasting and strong foundation to every relationship we have.

Since then, I have been thinking about the commitments I am making. Like deciding to buy books with a group of people. Or deciding to follow God's leading to join a pastor planting a new work. Or saying "I love you" for the first time to people who have been friends but are becoming something more.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude most of all, for the commitment that God makes to me. Through His Son, the Sacrifice...to have an omniscient, omnipotent, almighty Creator say to me....Want to know how much I am committed to you?