Worth the Work.

Whenever I come across something that catches my attention or I learn about something that interests me or I get involved in something that I think is important, I become passionate about it. I tend to become unstoppable when the passion for whatever it is comes over me.  It tends to consume me, but in a good way, for the most part anyway.  For example, when I write, whether it be camp curriculum, a blog, an article/book chapter for work or even a rehearsal dinner speech, I become passionate about it.  I research, I make notes and outlines and I will write, read and rewrite whatever it is until I am satisfied with it.  It could be a few hours or it could be a few months, but it becomes a passion.  When I plan a trip, the same thing happens.  I spend hours passionately researching and planning.  I love it!  I have a passion for many things.  I’m passionate about my friends and family, God and His word and missions.  Especially Africa.  A bit more of an unhealthy passion, is UT Lady Vols basketball. From November to March I passionately follow the games, statistics and articles written about them. Yes, I am a nerd. BUT I'm OK with it! :)  Anyway, whatever the time or the task, it becomes my passion.

As most of you know, in December of 2009 my best friend, Liv, and I embarked on a trip to Africa that changed the both of us...forever.  Liv had a passion for Africa and the people of Africa before we boarded the plane, however, upon exiting the plan when we returned home, her passion was greater and mine was just beginning. Liv told me something on that plane ride home that did not surprise me, but yet I really did not believe at the time.  She told me her new passion was to build a home or something for the street boys of Mwanza.  My thought..."That's awesome, I'll believe when I see it."  Just being honest!  Anyway, days, weeks and eventually months went by and the next thing I knew Anza Imani Rescue Foundation was formed (check out the AWESOME things they are doing here!!!) and God began working in a mighty way. Open mouth, insert foot...

Upon my second trip to Africa the little passion I had come home with grew into a much larger passion.  Each time I think about they people of Africa or my trip or Anza Imani and the impact it is going to have, that larger passion grows.  It grows to a huge passion.  A passion that I pray will never leave me.  An undying passion.  A passion to do whatever it takes to make sure those boys have a place to lay their heads every night and a passion that they might come to know God on a personal level.  A passion to come up with all the money I can to make this happen.  Geezzz...  As I type this I become so frustrated because it is so hard to make any headway with this passion.  I share my passion by writing grants and nominating Anza Imani for awards, but yet a lot of places will not even consider the organization because they want to not only take care of the boys physically, but also spiritually.  I share my passion with people, but yet they just don't have the money to spare right now or they have something else they are saving it for... IT IS FRUSTRATING. 

I’m currently in the planning process of going back to Africa and I am pumped.  Five short weeks from today I will be boarding a plane for the place I love and I CANNOT WAIT!!!  As I think about everything God is doing there, I cannot help but think about all the things that are yet to be done.  They are yet to be done because of the lack of funding.  Do not get me wrong, God has provided and He clearly is moving on His timetable and I am totally OK with that.  However, it can be very frustrating to raise money for such a good cause. I mean, it's a REALLY good cause.  Everyone wants to help, but they just don't have the "urge" right now. When I think about this, one of David Crowder's songs pops into my head every time. It's a simple song. The whole song is composed of 11 words. "Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but nobody wants to die."  The first time I ever heard the song I laughed.  It was funny to me because it's true.  I would bet that if you asked 100 people if they want to go to Heaven when they die, all of them would say, “yes.”  However, if you were to ask them do you want to die, most would say “no.”  It's like a catch 22 or something.  You want something, but yet you're not willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

THAT'S IT.  Everyone wants to see the boys get off the streets, but yet they are not willing to do what it takes.  People do not want their family members to go to hell, but yet they are not willing to do what it takes.  People want to loose weight, but they are not willing to do what it takes.  People want to grow closer in their relationship with God, but they are not willing to do what it takes.  We want the benefits of life, but we are not willing to do the work. Wow...

You never know the true cost of something until you do the work.  You never know the value of your work until you reap the rewards.  You never know the sweetness of the reward until you see the lives changed because of it.  So...what's it worth?  Whatever it is that you want, but you don't want to do the work for... It's worth it.  I promise.

Know that I am preaching to the choir.  I am just as guilty of not putting the work in as anyone, but from this moment on, it's different.  I am ready to work cause it's worth it. Every little bit counts.  It's worth it. I  am ready to become uncomfortable and share my faith with others because it's worth it.  I am ready.  It is worth it.  Not the reward I will gain, but the sweetness of a life changed.

It's worth it.

Are you willing to put the work in?

It’s worth it.

The person’s life that is changed because of it will be forever thankful.

It’s worth it.

I promise.

It’s worth it.